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 options work for every person. The fastest route is online if you meet the requirements: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or name changes since your last renewal. If you do not meet those conditions, you will need to go in person or mail in your renewal.

Before you choose your method, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license (or a state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing in person, you will also need to bring your vehicle registration if you want to renew your vehicle registration at the same time, though that is optional.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and requires proof of residency plus your current license, but you can walk in without an appointment at most locations.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and costs $16, but you cannot use it if your license is expired by more than two years or if you have had a name change.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or in person; if you mail in your renewal, add four to six weeks for processing plus mail time.
You can check the wait time at your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website before you go, and most offices are less crowded on weekday mornings.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information. If anything has changed, you can update it on the screen.

Once you confirm your information, you will be asked to upload or take a new photo. You can use a recent photo from your phone or computer — it must show your face clearly, be taken against a plain background, and be in color. The system will guide you through the photo requirements. After you submit your photo and pay the $16 fee with a debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment — you can walk in and take a number. Check the website before you go because it shows the current wait time at each location, updated throughout the day. Weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. are usually the least crowded.

When you arrive, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $16. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you also want to renew your vehicle registration, bring your current registration and vehicle title — the DPS office can handle both at the same time.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no trip to an office. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $16 made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — there is a separate address for renewals.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. You will not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to renew in person or online instead. Mail renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than two years or if your name has changed since your last renewal.

What to do if your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DPS office will treat this as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The fee is $16 for a standard license.

You can find a DPS office near you on the Texas DPS website. Call ahead or check the website for the current wait time, and bring all your documents to avoid a wasted trip. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.

If your name has changed since your last renewal

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number as well. The DPS office will update your name in the system, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $16.

If you do not have a certified copy of your name-change document, you can get one from the county clerk's office where the document was filed. This usually takes a few days and costs $5 to $15 depending on the county. Once you have it, take it to a DPS office along with your other documents.

Understanding the cost and timeline

A standard driver's license renewal in Texas costs $16, regardless of whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, add four to six weeks for DPS to process your process, plus mail time on both ends — expect six to eight weeks total from the day you mail your envelope.

If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to renew in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before you can renew. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. This usually involves paying a fee, completing a defensive driving course, or both.

What if I want to change my address without renewing my license?

You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website without renewing your license. Go to the DPS homepage, select "Change Your Address," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. There is no fee.

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

Yes. If you renew online, you will upload a photo. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo. If you renew by mail, you do not submit a photo, and DPS will use the photo from your current license on your new one.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

DPS will mail you a letter explaining why your process was rejected. Common reasons include missing documents, an illegible proof of residency, or a problem with your Social Security number. Follow the instructions in the letter to resubmit or visit a DPS office in person to resolve the issue.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either online, in person, or by mail. DPS does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf.

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.