How to Renew Your Dallas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, but the Dallas area has multiple locations. The main DPS Driver License Division office in Dallas is at 4413 S. Westmoreland Road. You can also renew at satellite offices in Irving, Arlington, Garland, and other nearby cities — the DPS website lists all locations with their hours.

Bring your current driver's 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 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you request one.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements differ slightly. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed. Online renewal through the DPS website works the same way — you answer questions about your health and driving record, pay the fee, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any DPS office in the Dallas area, by mail if your license expired less than two years ago, or online through the DPS website.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you choose the term when you renew.
In-person renewals are processed the same day, while mail and online renewals take about two weeks for your new license to arrive.
If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS Driver License Division office with your documents and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning on weekdays is usually faster than afternoons or Saturdays. You will have your photo taken (unless you bring a written request to keep your current photo), answer a few questions about your health and driving record, and pay the fee at the counter.

Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes from arrival to departure, though it can be longer during peak hours. If you need to renew before a specific date — for travel or work — going in person guarantees you walk out with a valid license that day.

Renewing by mail or online

To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope, so send it at least a month before your license expires.

Online renewal through the DPS website is faster and simpler. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer the health and driving record questions, upload a photo of your proof of residency, and pay the fee by debit or credit card. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in about two weeks. You cannot change your address online — if you moved, you must renew in person or update your address separately before renewing by mail.

Both mail and online renewal are available only if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. If either condition applies to you, you must go to a DPS office in person.

Renewal fees and license terms

A four-year license costs $33 and an eight-year license costs $66. You choose which term you want when you renew. Most people choose the eight-year license because the cost per year is lower, but if you expect your address or name to change soon, a four-year license means you renew sooner and update your information at that time.

If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years and costs $16. Disabled veterans may be may have access to to a reduced fee — ask at the DPS office or check the DPS website for details on your specific situation.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the process above. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to retake the written test and vision screening, and you may need to provide additional documents depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer proof that you have submitted a renewal process (a receipt from an online renewal or a tracking number from a mail renewal), and that may help, but it does not may provide you will not be cited.

Renewing out of state or by phone

If you live outside Texas temporarily but your license is still valid and your Texas address is current, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. You do not need to return to Dallas or Texas to renew.

The DPS does not offer phone renewal. If someone calls claiming to be from DPS and offers to renew your license over the phone, it is a scam. The only ways to renew are in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the official DPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You will need to go to a DPS office in person with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement fee is $11 for a duplicate license. You can request a replacement online through the DPS website and pick it up at an office, or explore in person.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices in the Dallas area do not require appointments for renewals. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website for your specific location to see if appointments are available.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you are renewing in person, bring your new proof of residency and the DPS will update your address on your new license. If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot change your address in those channels — you must update it separately through the DPS website or in person before your new license arrives.

How long is my new license valid?

A standard license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. Your new expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years.

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.