How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three routes work for everyone. The method you can use depends on how much time is left on your current license, whether you have a REAL ID endorsement, and whether your address or other information has changed.

Before you choose a route, gather your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). If you are renewing in person, you will also need to bring proof of identity — your current license counts, but if it is expired you will need a passport, birth certificate, or military ID instead.

The Texas DPS charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and how many years you are renewing for. Standard five-year renewals cost less than eight-year renewals. If you renew online or by mail, you pay the fee when you submit your request. If you renew in person, you pay at the DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, but it only works for standard renewals without REAL ID upgrades.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must send your current license and cannot renew if it has been expired for more than two years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a REAL ID endorsement, or if your address or name has changed.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go, and many offices now let you schedule an appointment online to avoid long lines.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need to add or upgrade a REAL ID endorsement. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you have an active warrant or child support obligation on file with the state.

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DPS records. If everything matches, you will see the renewal fee and can pay by credit card or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal when you cannot go to an office

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not changed your address. You do not need to schedule anything or wait in line, but the process takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your materials.

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the number of years you want to renew for (five or eight years). Attach a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. Do not send your original documents — copies are fine. Mail the form and copies to the address listed on the DPS website for your region.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the regional DPS office that serves your county — the address is on the form. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on your current license. If you have moved, update your address in person or online before you mail your renewal.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a REAL ID endorsement, if your name or address has changed since your last renewal, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In-person renewal also applies if the online system flags your record as requiring verification — this usually happens if there is a discrepancy between your DPS file and other state records.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which reserves a time slot and typically cuts your wait time in half. If you cannot schedule online, you can walk in, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas usually have shorter waits than those in major cities.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity (your current license is fine if it is not expired). If your address has changed, bring the new proof of residency. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS officer will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed.

REAL ID endorsement and what it means for renewal

A REAL ID endorsement is a gold star or marking on your driver's license that shows you have met federal identity verification standards. It is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If your current license does not have a REAL ID endorsement and you want one, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

To get a REAL ID endorsement during renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity — the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal. You will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. The DPS will verify these documents and add the REAL ID marking to your new license at no extra cost.

If you do not need a REAL ID endorsement, you do not have to get one. A standard driver's license without the endorsement is still valid for driving and for most everyday uses. You can renew without REAL ID online, by mail, or in person.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew by mail or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring all required documents including proof of identity.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support obligation. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any of the three routes.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

Online renewal is the fastest: you can complete it in 10 minutes, and your new license arrives within two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet, plus a few days for mail delivery on both ends — plan for four weeks total. In-person renewal is completed the same day you visit the office; you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DPS. If you have moved since your last renewal and did not update your address before you renewed, your new license will go to your old address. You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website or in person at a DPS office, but do this before you renew if possible.

You can drive on your current license until it expires, even if you have already submitted a renewal request. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DPS office if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

You can renew your license if you have an unpaid ticket, but the DPS may flag your record. If the ticket is from a court that has suspended your license, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

What if I move to a different state before my new license arrives?

Your Texas license will still arrive at the address you provided when you renewed. You can have it forwarded to your new address through the postal service, or you can contact the DPS to request that your new license be mailed to your new address instead. Call 1-888-589-6789 to make this request.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, a new photo is taken every time you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. You can request a new photo during an online or mail renewal by visiting a DPS office in person, but there is no fee for the photo itself.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

The fee depends on your license type and how many years you renew for. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver's licenses cost more than standard licenses. Check the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 for the exact current fee.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No, your new license is mailed directly to you at the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at a DPS office. If you are concerned about mail delivery, you can update your address before you renew or request that your license be held at a specific DPS office for you to pick up in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.