How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing your Texas 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 costs less than renewing in person. 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 address or other information, or if you do not have internet access.

Your renewal window opens 240 days before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. You can renew during this window through any method. If your license has expired, you can still renew it for up to two years after expiration, though the process changes slightly and may require an office visit.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you do not need to change your address or other personal information.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your information, or if you cannot renew online or by mail.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method, though requirements vary slightly by route.
Processing times range from when ready (online) to two to three weeks (mail) to same-day or next-day (in person, depending on office wait times).

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest and least expensive option. You go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website, select the driver's license renewal option, and complete the process from your computer or phone. The entire transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes. You pay $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license by debit card or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 84 years old, you have a valid Social Security number on file with Texas, and you do not need to change your address or other personal information. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, choose your license type (standard or Real ID), and upload or verify a new photo. If you do not want to upload a new photo, the DPS will use your current photo from file. You will also confirm your address and any other information on your current license.

Mail renewal for unexpired licenses

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you do not need to change your address or other personal information. You request a renewal form from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-337-8935) or through the DPS website. You fill out the form, include your current license and a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year), and mail everything to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. Your new license arrives by mail after processing. You will use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license before the new one comes, you cannot use mail renewal — you must renew in person instead.

Mail renewal does not allow you to change your photo. The DPS will use your current photo from file. If you want a new photo or need to update your address or other information, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or other personal information, if you need a new photo, or if you cannot renew online or by mail. You visit a Texas DPS office with your documents, complete the renewal process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Processing time varies by office but is usually same-day or next-day. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The cost of in-person renewal is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, the same as online and mail renewal. However, some DPS offices charge an additional fee for certain services, such as Real ID upgrades or duplicate licenses. Check your local office's fee schedule before you go.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If your office does not offer appointments, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid peak hours.

Documents you need for any renewal method

For online renewal, you need your current Texas driver's license and a valid debit card or credit card. The DPS will verify your Social Security number and other information against state records, so you do not need to bring physical proof of these items.

For mail renewal, you need your current Texas driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and the completed renewal form provided by the DPS. You do not need to include proof of residency or Social Security number — the DPS verifies these against existing records.

For in-person renewal, you need your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form). If you are changing your address, bring the proof of residency that shows your new address. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it through any method — online, mail, or in person. The process is the same as renewing an unexpired license. You do not need to retake the written or driving test.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires passing the written test and the driving test, paying the full process fee (not the renewal fee), and providing all documents required for a new license process. You can find information about new license applications on the Texas DPS website or by visiting a DPS office.

Real ID and standard license renewal

When you renew your license, you can choose to renew it as a standard license or upgrade it to a Real ID. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not have the star and does not meet these federal requirements.

The cost is the same for both types — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will be asked which type you want. If you are renewing in person, you can choose at the office. If you want to upgrade from a standard license to a Real ID during renewal, you will need to provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, which is not required for a standard license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Texas does not automatically suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if a court has suspended your license for a specific reason — such as failure to pay a fine or failure to appear in court — you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Texas DPS to find out whether your license is suspended.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will issue a new license with your current name.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 45 days, contact the Texas DPS to report it missing.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot renew online if you do not have a Social Security number on file with Texas. You can renew by mail or in person. For in-person renewal, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. For mail renewal, contact the DPS to confirm the process for applicants without a Social Security number.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you changed your address, you can update it during online renewal without visiting an office. If you are renewing by mail, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.

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.