Where to renew your license in San Antonio
In San Antonio, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the San Antonio DPS Driver License Division office at 4626 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78220. This is where most people go, and it handles standard renewals, replacements, and address changes.
You can also renew at any other DPS office in the state if you are traveling, though the San Antonio location is the most convenient if you live in Bexar County. Some smaller satellite offices exist in surrounding areas, but they have limited hours and may not offer all services. Call ahead to confirm what that location handles before you drive there.
You cannot renew online in Texas, even though some states allow it. You must appear in person at a DPS office. This is because Texas requires a new photo and your fingerprints for every renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Texas requires you to renew in person at a DPS office; the San Antonio location is at 4626 East Houston Street.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- Standard renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license or ID card. If you have lost it, bring a document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. The DPS staff will tell you on the spot if what you brought is acceptable.
You also need proof of your current address in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have recently moved and your license still shows your old address, bring the proof of your new address.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it—a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and cannot bring a document, you can still renew, but the process takes longer because the DPS office has to verify it through other means.
Bring your current address and phone number written down. You will fill out a form at the office, and having this information ready speeds things up. If you want to change your address, register to vote, or update your organ donor status, bring that information too.
When you can renew and how long it takes
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you do not have to wait until the last day—you can renew whenever it is convenient. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date, though the San Antonio office is usually less crowded than offices in larger cities.
At the office, the renewal itself takes 15 to 30 minutes on average. This includes filling out the form, having your photo taken, and giving your fingerprints. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be faster than late afternoons or Saturdays.
Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The DPS mails it to the address you provided at the office. If you need to drive before it arrives, your current license remains valid until it expires, even though you have already renewed.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it the same way as a standard renewal. Bring the same documents and go to the DPS office. You do not need to retake any tests.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision test. You may also need to provide more documents, such as proof of citizenship or legal residency. Call the San Antonio DPS office at (210) 646-2000 before you go so they can tell you exactly what to bring.
If you have an expired license and are not sure how long it has been expired, bring your license to the office and ask. The staff can look it up and tell you whether you renew or reapply.
Cost and payment methods
A standard driver's license renewal in Texas costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You choose which one you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you do not have to renew again for eight years instead of four.
The San Antonio DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you are renewing by mail (which is not available in Texas but may be available in your specific situation through a DPS agent), payment methods may differ.
If you are renewing because your license was lost or stolen, there may be an additional replacement fee of $11. If you are changing your name or address, there is no extra charge—it is included in the renewal fee.
Renewing with a REAL ID or standard license
Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you want a REAL ID license, you need to bring additional documents proving citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card. A standard renewal requires only your current license and proof of address.
If you are not sure which one you have, look at your current license. If there is a gold star in the upper right corner, you have a REAL ID. If not, you have a standard license. When you renew, the DPS staff will ask which type you want and will tell you what documents you need based on your choice.
What to do if you cannot go in person
Texas does not allow mail-in renewals for driver's licenses. You must appear in person at a DPS office. However, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling, you may be able to request a DPS officer to come to your home. Call the San Antonio DPS office at (210) 646-2000 to ask about this option and what documentation you need to provide.
If you live outside San Antonio but within Texas, you can renew at any DPS office in the state. If you live outside Texas, you will need to return to Texas to renew in person, or you can let your license expire and reapply when you return. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Texas, but Texas does not currently allow remote renewal for any resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Texas allows you to renew even with unpaid traffic fines, but the DPS office may flag your record. If you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the status and what you need to do to clear it.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
Bring your current license and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue a new license with your current name. There is no extra fee for a name change during renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the San Antonio DPS office?
The San Antonio DPS office does not require appointments for standard renewals. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can call (210) 646-2000 to ask about current wait times before you go. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, though hours may vary.
What if my new license arrives with an error on it?
Contact the San Antonio DPS office when ready with your new license and proof of the error. They will issue a corrected license at no charge. Bring the incorrect license with you so they can document the mistake.
Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have legal residency status in Texas. You will need to bring proof of legal residency, such as a permanent resident card, visa, or employment authorization document. Bring your current license and proof of address as well. Call the San Antonio DPS office beforehand to confirm what documents they need for your specific immigration status.