Renewing your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at dps.texas.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and available to most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked. Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed. In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have vision or medical issues, or want to change your address on the same day.

Your license is valid for eight years if you are under 85, or five years if you are 85 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to ten business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at dps.texas.gov takes about 15 minutes and works for most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked.
  • Mail renewal is free and takes two to three weeks total, but only works if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment booked through the website and takes about 30 minutes once you arrive.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) for online or in-person renewal.
  • If your license was suspended, revoked, or you failed a vision test, you cannot renew online and must go to a DPS office in person.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

Go to dps.texas.gov, click "Driver License" in the left menu, then select "Renew Online." You will need your current Texas driver license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving and credit history.

Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. The system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access. Once approved, your new license ships within five to ten business days.

Mail renewal: free but slower, with strict limits

Mail renewal is free and requires no fee payment, but the DPS only allows it under specific conditions. Your license must have expired less than two years ago, you must have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed, and you cannot have a suspended or revoked license. You also cannot change your address through the mail renewal process.

Request a mail renewal form by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office in person. Mail the completed form with your current license to the address provided. Processing takes two to three weeks. If you do not meet the conditions for mail renewal, you must renew online or in person.

In-person renewal: required for photos, address changes, and medical issues

Visit a DPS office if you need a new photo, want to change your address on the license itself, have failed a vision test, or have medical conditions that affect your driving. You must book an appointment through dps.texas.gov — walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a valid payment method.

In-person renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The visit usually takes 30 minutes once you are called. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within five to ten business days. If you need to change your address, the DPS will update it during your visit.

What to bring and how to book an appointment

For online renewal, you need only your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method — no documents to gather or mail. For in-person renewal, bring your current Texas driver license, proof of residency dated within the last 90 days (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement), and a credit or debit card. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Book an in-person appointment at dps.texas.gov by selecting your county and preferred DPS office, then choosing an available date and time. Appointments fill quickly in urban areas, so book as soon as your license is within one year of expiration. If no appointments are available, check back daily — the system releases new slots regularly.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Texas charges $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal is free. Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. You cannot pay with cash or check by mail. The fee is non-refundable once you submit your renewal.

If you are a Texas veteran, you may be may be able to access for a free license renewal. Ask at a DPS office or call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm your status. Some counties also offer fee waivers for seniors or low-income drivers — contact your local DPS office to ask.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person and resolve the reason for the suspension first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a failed vision test. The DPS office can tell you what you owe and how to clear the suspension.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at that same visit. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue (a receipt showing fines paid, a letter from child support services, or a new vision test result). Processing takes the same five to ten business days as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal only works if your license expired within the last two years. Online renewal is available regardless of how long ago it expired, as long as your license is not suspended or revoked. Book an appointment through dps.texas.gov.

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

The DPS mails your new license within five to ten business days of approval. You will receive it at the address on file. If you need your license sooner, ask at a DPS office whether they can issue a temporary paper license during your in-person visit.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. Online renewal does not allow address changes. If you need to update your address, renew in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal also does not allow address changes. You can update your address separately through the DPS website without renewing your license.

What if I fail the vision test at a DPS office?

You cannot renew your license that day. You must get a vision correction (glasses or contacts) and return with proof from an eye doctor that you now meet the vision standard. Bring the eye doctor's statement to your next DPS visit. You can reschedule your appointment once you have the corrected vision.

Do I need an appointment for mail renewal?

No. Mail renewal requires no appointment. Call 1-888-589-6789 or visit a DPS office to request the form, then mail it with your current license. In-person and online renewal do not require appointments, but in-person visits must be scheduled through dps.texas.gov.