Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — but not all three routes work for every person. The method available to you depends on how much time is left on your current license, whether you've had any address changes, and if your license was suspended or revoked at any point.
Before you go anywhere, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail or online, you won't need to bring originals; you'll upload images or mail copies.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you haven't moved or changed your name.
- By-mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires mailing your current license and a completed form to DPS, along with a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license is expired by more than two years, or if you need to update your address or name.
- The renewal fee in Texas is $61 for a standard five-year license, though the cost varies slightly if you choose a Real ID-compliant license.
- You can check your renewal may be able to access and start the process on the official Texas DPS website before visiting an office or mailing anything.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not moved since your last renewal, your name has not changed, and you do not have any suspensions or revocations on your record. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will ask you to review your current information and confirm it is correct. If everything matches, you pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file. Most people receive their renewed license within seven to ten business days. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than two years and you do not need to change your address or name. read or request Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for $61 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no way to track the status of a mailed renewal while it is in transit, so mail your documents well before your license expires if you want to avoid driving with an expired license. Keep a copy of the form and your proof of mailing in case you need to follow up.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, or if there are any holds or suspensions on your record. Visit your local DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. Bring the certified name-change document if applicable.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest in the morning and on Fridays. Some DPS locations allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which can cut your wait time significantly. Bring all required documents in original form — staff will not accept photocopies for proof of residency. The renewal is processed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Real ID compliance and upgrade options
A standard Texas driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, which means it cannot be used as identification for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID license during renewal, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth abroad, plus your proof of residency and Social Security number.
The Real ID license costs $61, the same as a standard renewal, and is valid for five years. If you do not upgrade during this renewal, you can upgrade at any time by visiting a DPS office with the required documents. Many people choose to upgrade during renewal to avoid a second trip.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew by mail or online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — the online and mail options are not available to you.
If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you may receive a citation. The penalty depends on how long it has been expired and whether you have prior violations. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date, or if you miss the important date, visit a DPS office as soon as you can.
Fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for a five-year Texas driver's license is $61. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card, credit card, or check or money order. At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, debit card, credit card, or check. Some offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
If you are renewing a Real ID license, the fee remains $61. There are no additional charges for name changes or address updates during renewal. If you lose your renewed license before it arrives or after you receive it, you'll need to pay a replacement fee to get a duplicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state now?
No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Texas license by mail or in person at a DPS office if you want to, but you are not required to.
How long does a renewed Texas license last?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on the license. Real ID licenses are also valid for five years. Some people over 85 years old may receive licenses valid for shorter periods — check your license or call DPS to confirm your expiration date.
What if I changed my name but don't have a certified copy of the document?
You will need the certified document to renew in person. Contact the court, vital records office, or agency that issued the original document and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. You cannot renew online or by mail without it.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are required. This might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the status is cleared, you can renew.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
If your address changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document dated within the last 90 days and showing your current address.