Renewing your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas driver's license through three main routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and works for most people whose licenses are not expired by more than two years. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions listed on your record.
The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you want a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in hand. Most renewals are processed within two to three weeks of submission, though online renewals can be ready within days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works for licenses expired less than two years and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DPS; it takes three to four weeks but avoids office visits.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a new photo.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit card for online, check or money order for mail) ready before you start.
- Texas licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the renewal type you choose.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired within the last two years. Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The online system will ask you to confirm your current address or update it if you have moved. You cannot change your photo online, so if you want a new one, you must renew in person instead. After you submit your information and payment, the DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file. Most online renewals are processed within five to seven business days, though the physical license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The fee depends on your age and whether you are renewing before or after your 85th birthday. You will receive a confirmation number after you submit; save this for your records.
Mail renewal when you cannot visit an office
Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal process form from the Texas DPS by calling 1-888-589-6789, or read the form from the DPS website. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form.
Payment by mail must be made by check or money order in the same amount as online renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DPS address provided on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet, plus mail delivery time on both ends. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.
Keep a copy of the form and your confirmation details in case you need to follow up. If your packet does not arrive or gets lost, you will have no proof of submission unless you sent it certified mail, which is recommended for important documents.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions or restrictions on your current license. Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially during peak hours.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. The fee is the same as online and mail renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. The DPS will take your photo during the visit and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. If you need the license sooner, some DPS offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers this service.
What to do if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. The DPS treats this as a new issuance rather than a renewal, which means you will need to provide more documentation than a standard renewal requires.
Bring your expired driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. The fee is the same as a standard renewal, but the process takes longer because the DPS must verify your information more thoroughly.
Schedule an appointment if possible to avoid long waits. Processing time is still two to three weeks for mail delivery of your new license, but the office visit itself may take 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during renewal through any method. Online renewal allows you to enter a new address during the process. Mail renewal requires you to list your new address on the process form. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days.
If you need to change information beyond your address — such as your name, gender marker, or medical conditions — you may need to provide additional documents or visit in person. Name changes require a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Gender marker changes require a letter from a physician or mental health professional. Contact the DPS before you renew if you need to make these changes so you know what documents to bring.
Fees and payment methods for Texas driver's license renewal
Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The length of validity depends on your age at the time of renewal. Drivers under 85 can choose either term; drivers 85 and older receive a four-year license. The fee is the same regardless of which renewal method you use.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DPS offices may accept other payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about payment options at your specific location. There are no additional fees for standard processing; rush processing, if available, costs extra and varies by office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I am out of state?
Yes. Online renewal works from anywhere as long as your license expired less than two years ago. Mail renewal also works from out of state. In-person renewal requires you to visit a Texas DPS office, so you would need to travel to Texas or wait until you return to renew in person.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you renew online or in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days that you can carry while your permanent license is mailed. If you renew by mail, you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person to get the temporary license when ready.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I submit my process?
Online and mail renewals take two to three weeks for mail delivery after processing is complete. In-person renewal also takes two to three weeks for mail delivery, but you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days at the office. Rush processing, if available at your DPS office, may reduce this time for an additional fee.
Can I change my photo during an online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will take a new photo during your visit.
What if I lost my current driver's license before I could renew it?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must visit a DPS office in person and report your license lost. The DPS will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a new issuance rather than a renewal. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and be prepared to pay the renewal fee.