How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three options work for every person. The method available to you depends on how close you are to your expiration date, whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license, and whether your address or other information has changed.

If you renew online or by mail, you will need your current driver's license number, a valid form of identification, and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number if you do not have a Social Security card itself. You will also need to pass a vision test at an in-person visit.

The Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) tells you which method is open to you based on your license type and expiration date. Start there before you plan your renewal.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for most standard licenses that are not expired or more than two years past expiration, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
Mail renewal is available for people over 79 and for those who cannot visit a DPS office, but it takes three to four weeks and requires notarized documents.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is more than two years expired, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, or if you have changed your name or address.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
DPS offices do not require an appointment for standard renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are within two years of your expiration date and your license is not already expired. You will create or log into your Texas Online Services account, answer questions about your current license, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license). You do not upload documents — the DPS pulls your information from its existing records.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address before renewal, do that through the Texas Online Services portal or at a DPS office before you start the online renewal.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, if you have changed your name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal for people over 79 or unable to visit an office

Mail renewal is available if you are 79 or older, or if you have a medical condition or other circumstance that prevents you from visiting a DPS office in person. You will need to request a mail renewal process from the Texas DPS, complete it, have it notarized, and mail it back with copies of your identification and proof of residency.

The process takes three to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your completed process. You will need to include a check or money order for the renewal fee — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Request the process form and instructions from the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789.

Mail renewal is not available for REAL ID upgrades, name changes, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas DPS office without an appointment to renew your driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a vision test and have your photo taken. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, if you have changed your name, or if you have a commercial driver's license. It is also the only option if you need to correct information on your license or if you lost your license and need a replacement.

You will pay the renewal fee at the office (cash, check, or card accepted). Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can find the DPS office nearest you and check its hours on the Texas DPS website.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal standards for identification and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Texas license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant. You cannot upgrade to REAL ID online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office.

When you renew in person for REAL ID, you will need to bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a passport card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (the card itself, a W-2, or a tax return) and two forms of proof of Texas residency. The fee for a REAL ID-compliant license is the same as a standard renewal.

If you do not need REAL ID for your purposes, you can continue to renew your standard license online or by mail. A standard Texas driver's license remains valid for identification within the state and for driving.

Fees, timing, and what happens if your license expires

A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. An eight-year renewal costs $40. REAL ID-compliant licenses cost the same. If you renew online or in person, you pay at the time of renewal. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, regardless of which renewal method you used. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as you have your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal. Keep that document with you. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show them your old license and your renewal confirmation.

If your license has already expired and you did not renew it, you can still renew — but if it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and cannot use the online or mail options.

Changing your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process itself. straightforward enter your new address when prompted. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days).

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.

If you need to correct other information on your license — such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status — you can do that during any renewal, in person or online. Online renewal allows you to update some fields; for others, you will need to visit a DPS office.

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. Online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired more than two years. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the DPS to ask what other documents they will accept.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

No. DPS offices accept walk-ins for standard renewals. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check the DPS website for estimated wait times at offices near you before you go.

What if my new license arrives and I have not received it after 10 business days?

Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and tell you whether it has been mailed. If there is a problem, they can reissue it or help you troubleshoot.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test, medical examination, and knowledge test depending on your CDL class and endorsements.

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.