How to Renew Your Texas Driver License Through DPS

What you need to do to renew your Texas driver license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles driver license renewals, and you have three ways to do it: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route works depends on whether your license is expired, how long you have until it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can renew online if their license is still valid and they meet a few basic requirements.

Your Texas driver license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may have fewer options and may need to appear in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition change since your last license.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must send your current license and a completed form to DPS.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or medical information.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check for online; check or money order for mail).
The renewal fee in Texas is $25 for a six-year license, though the total cost may be higher if you choose a Real ID or enhanced license.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your Texas driver license if you meet the requirements. You go to the DPS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you pay with a credit card or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last license was issued, your address has not changed, you have no medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and you are not explore for a Real ID or enhanced license. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

When you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. You do not get a new photo unless you choose to pay extra for one. This is why many people prefer to renew in person if their current photo is old or they want a new one.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal works for most people and takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your materials. You read and print the renewal form from the DPS website (form DL-44), fill it out, and mail it along with your current driver license and payment to the DPS address listed on the form.

You must send a check or money order for $25 (the standard six-year renewal fee). DPS does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back, though DPS will destroy it if you do not request its return. Mail your materials to the address on the form; sending to the wrong address delays your renewal.

Mail renewal uses your current photo, just like online renewal. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person. Mail renewal also does not work if your license is expired by more than two years, if you have changed your name, or if you are explore for a Real ID or enhanced license.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you are explore for a Real ID or enhanced license. You visit a DPS office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring payment: cash, check, money order, or debit card.

You can find your nearest DPS office on the DPS website and check its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system. Check your local office's page to see whether you can schedule ahead or whether it is first-come, first-served.

When you renew in person, you get a new photo taken at the office. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if the office is not busy. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The fee is still $25 for a standard six-year license, though Real ID and enhanced licenses cost more.

Real ID and enhanced license options

When you renew, you can choose to get a Real ID or an enhanced license instead of a standard license. A Real ID meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. An enhanced license lets you cross the border into Mexico and Canada by land without a passport. Both cost more than a standard license and require additional documents.

For a Real ID, you must show proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). You must renew in person. The fee is higher than a standard license; the exact amount varies but is typically around $28 to $30 for a six-year license.

For an enhanced license, you need the same documents as a Real ID, plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must renew in person. The fee is higher still, typically around $35 to $40 for a six-year license. If you do not need either of these, a standard license is sufficient for driving in Texas and most everyday uses.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has expired by fewer than two years, you can renew by mail or in person using the same process as a non-expired renewal. You cannot renew online if your license is expired. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation email or receipt), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

If your license expired more than two years ago and you are unsure whether you need to retake the written and vision tests, contact your local DPS office before you go in. They can tell you what documents and tests you will need based on how long your license has been expired.

Fees and payment methods

The standard fee for a six-year Texas driver license renewal is $25. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Real ID licenses cost more (typically $28 to $30), and enhanced licenses cost the most (typically $35 to $40). These amounts can vary slightly, so check the DPS website for the exact current fee before you pay.

Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards. Some DPS offices may accept credit cards as well, but this varies by location. If you are renewing in person, call your local office ahead of time to confirm what payment methods they accept.

If you are renewing by mail and your check or money order is lost or not received, DPS will contact you. Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying online, your payment is processed when ready and you receive a confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I have moved out of state?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet the other requirements. If you have moved out of state and need to change your address on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas. You cannot renew at a DPS office if you no longer live in Texas.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the plastic one.

What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it in?

You must renew in person if you do not have your current license. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your identity. You will get a new photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed since I got it?

You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will get a new photo and your new license will show your current legal name.

What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days?

DPS does not offer expedited mail renewal. If you need your license urgently, renew in person at a DPS office and use the temporary paper license for driving while you wait for the plastic license to arrive. The temporary license is valid for 45 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.