Where to renew your license in San Antonio
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs driver's license renewal in San Antonio. You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods.
San Antonio has two DPS driver's license offices: one on the North Side at 8015 Agora Parkway and one downtown at 411 E. Durango Boulevard. Both handle renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The North Side office typically has shorter waits on weekday mornings.
If you renew by mail or online, you will not need to visit an office at all. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process. Online renewal is faster — you can complete it in minutes and your new license ships within five to seven business days.
Key Takeaways
- Texas lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or medical condition update since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office in San Antonio takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait time and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal, and takes two to three weeks.
- Your new license costs $16 for a one-year renewal, $32 for a four-year renewal, or $48 for a six-year renewal, payable by cash, check, or card depending on your method.
- You must renew before your expiration date or your license becomes invalid and you will need to retest rather than straightforward renew.
Online renewal: fastest option if you may have access to
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest path if your circumstances have not changed since your last license. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name, you have no medical conditions to report, and you have not had a license suspension or denial.
To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $16 for one year, $32 for four years, or $48 for six years. Your new license will arrive by mail within five to seven business days.
Online renewal does not let you change your address, add a Real ID star, or update your photo. If you need any of those, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
In-person renewal at a San Antonio DPS office
Renewing in person is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your address, you want to add a Real ID star, or your medical or legal status has changed. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099).
The North Side office at 8015 Agora Parkway and the downtown office at 411 E. Durango Boulevard both accept walk-ins. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early on a weekday morning will reduce your wait. Bring all documents with you — staff will not accept incomplete applications and you will have to return.
The renewal process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will take a new photo, answer a few questions about your address and medical history, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal for unchanged circumstances
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and nothing about your name, address, medical status, or legal status has changed since your last renewal. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at a DPS office.
Fill out the form, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($16, $32, or $48 depending on term length), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. DPS will process your process and mail your new license within two to three weeks of receiving it. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records in case there is a delay.
Mail renewal does not include a new photo, so your new license will show your old photo. If you want a new photo or need to change your address, you must renew in person.
Real ID and what it means for your renewal
A Real ID is a federal security standard that lets you use your driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. Texas driver's licenses issued after May 2018 have a gold star in the upper right corner if they meet Real ID standards.
If your current license does not have the star and you want one, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents). The renewal fee is the same whether you add the star or not.
If your license already has the Real ID star, it will carry over to your renewed license automatically — you do not need to do anything extra.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it at a DPS office without retesting. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will pay the standard renewal fee and take a new photo.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew — you must retest. That means taking the written exam and the driving test again, not just paying a renewal fee. You will need to schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website to retest.
Online and mail renewal are not available if your license is expired. You must go to a DPS office in person.
Fees and payment methods by renewal type
| Renewal Method | One Year | Four Years | Six Years | Payment Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16 | $32 | $48 | Debit or credit card |
| In-person at DPS office | $16 | $32 | $48 | Cash, check, debit, or credit card |
| $16 | $32 | $48 | Check or money order |
Choose your renewal term based on how long you want your license to be valid. A one-year renewal costs less upfront but requires you to renew again sooner. A six-year renewal costs more but keeps you valid longer and means fewer trips to the DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
No. Texas will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered payment. Pay the fine first, then renew. You can check your driving record on the Texas DPS website to see if you have any holds.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee is the same.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your in-person renewal. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before it arrives, bring your old license and the receipt from your renewal appointment.
Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have a valid visa or work permit. You will need to renew in person and bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your immigration documents. Bring originals — copies are not accepted.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license — you must replace it first. Go to a DPS office in San Antonio with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The replacement fee is $11. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through any method.