Where to renew and what documents you need
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 renewal types work with every method. If your license is not expired more than two years, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it has been expired longer than two years, you must renew in person.
For any renewal method, you will need to bring or submit proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. Acceptable identity documents include your current or expired Texas driver's license, passport, or military ID. For residency, the DPS accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. If you are renewing online, you upload images of these documents; if by mail, you send copies; if in person, you bring the originals.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewal work only if your license expired within the past two years; anything older requires an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- You need one form of identity (current or expired license, passport, or military ID) and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) for any renewal method.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, typically taking a few business days.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send copies of documents and pay by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is available if your license expired no more than two years ago and you have not had any address changes, medical conditions, or name changes since your last renewal. You will create an account on the Texas DPS website, upload images of your identity and residency documents, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for — typically $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal.
After you submit your process online, the DPS reviews it within a few business days. If approved, your new license is mailed to your address on file. You should receive it within one to two weeks. During this time, you can print a temporary license from the website if you need proof of a valid license for employment or other purposes.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal follows the same may be able to access rules as online renewal — your license must have expired within the past two years and you cannot have had changes to your address, medical status, or name. You request a renewal process from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or read it from the DPS website. You then print the form, sign it, and mail it along with copies of your identity and residency documents and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Send your packet to the address listed on the process form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope, so mail it early if you need your new license by a specific date. Unlike online renewal, you do not receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so plan ahead if you need proof of a valid license before your new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have had changes to your address, name, or medical information since your last renewal. You can walk in to any DPS office during business hours — no appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your original identity document, original proof of residency, and your expired license if you have it.
The renewal process at the office takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your medical history and driving record, and pay the renewal fee. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A one-year renewal costs $16, a two-year renewal costs $32, and a five-year renewal costs $48. These are the standard fees as of the most recent DPS schedule, though fees can change. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
Your new license will be valid for the number of years you choose at renewal, starting from the date it is issued. If you are over 85 years old, your license is valid for only one year and must be renewed annually in person.
What to do if your license has been expired more than two years
If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your original identity document, original proof of residency, and your expired license. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.
There is no penalty or additional fee for renewing a license that has been expired for a long time, as long as you have not been driving with an expired license. If you have been driving on an expired license, you may face a traffic citation if stopped by law enforcement.
Finding a DPS office near you
The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the Texas DPS website. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter waits than those in major cities. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or call ahead to ask about typical wait times at your local office.
A few DPS offices offer appointment scheduling through the website, which lets you reserve a specific time slot. Check whether your local office offers this option when you look up its location and hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved to another state?
No. You must renew your license in person at a Texas DPS office if you still live in Texas. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Texas license by mail or in person at a DPS office.
What if I lost my expired license and don't have it to bring to the office?
You do not need your expired license to renew. Bring your identity document (passport or military ID) and proof of residency instead. The DPS can look up your driving record and issue a new license based on that information.
How long does a temporary paper license last?
A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within one to two weeks, but the temporary gives you time in case there is a delay. You can use the temporary for driving, employment, and other purposes that require proof of a valid license.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
You must renew in person if you have a new medical condition or if your existing condition has changed since your last renewal. The DPS will ask about your medical history during the in-person appointment and may require a medical report from your doctor depending on the condition. Bring any relevant medical documentation with you to the office.
What if the DPS rejects my online or mail renewal process?
The DPS will notify you by mail if your process is rejected and explain the reason — usually because documents were unclear, information did not match their records, or you were ineligible for that renewal method. You can then renew in person at a DPS office, or resubmit your process online or by mail with corrected documents if the issue was a documentation problem.