How to Renew Your Driver's License in Houston

Where to renew your Houston driver's license

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, but the Houston area has multiple locations. The main DPS Driver License office in Houston is at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. There are also DPS offices in surrounding areas like Pearland, Katy, and The Woodlands if one location is more convenient.

You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical conditions listed on your license. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you go in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver's licenses expire every 8 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office in the Houston area.
Online renewal is fastest if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions, taking 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
The main Houston DPS office is at 4007 Director Beltway, but offices in Pearland, Katy, and The Woodlands also serve the area.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

The Texas DPS website lets you renew online if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical conditions or restrictions, and you have a valid email address. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The fee for online renewal is $25 for an 8-year license. You'll pay by credit or debit card during the process. After you submit, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file — this takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your address has changed, if you need a Real ID-compliant license, or if you have any medical conditions listed on your current license. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a Houston DPS office

Walk into any DPS office in the Houston area with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 90 days — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You cannot use a driver's license as proof of residency.

The fee for in-person renewal is $25 for an 8-year license. You pay at the office when you complete your process. The DPS takes your photo and fingerprints on the spot, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.

Bring your Social Security number in writing or memorized — the DPS will not accept a Social Security card as identification. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Mail-in renewal for Texas driver's licenses

You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions. read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at a DPS office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and date of birth.

Mail the completed form, a copy of your current license, and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. Include proof of residency — a copy of a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet, so send it well before your license expires if you need it by a certain date.

Keep a copy of everything you send. If the DPS loses your packet or has questions, you'll have proof of what you submitted. Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person, so use it only if you cannot visit an office or renew online.

Real ID and medical restrictions during renewal

If your current license is a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), your renewed license will also be Real ID unless you request otherwise. Real ID renewal requires the same documents as a standard renewal — current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.

If your license has medical restrictions or conditions listed (such as corrective lenses required or diabetes), you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS may require you to pass a vision test or provide a medical form signed by your doctor. Online and mail renewal are not available if any medical condition is on your license.

If you want to add or remove a medical restriction, tell the DPS staff when you renew in person. They can update your record on the spot if you bring the required medical documentation.

What happens if your license is expired

You can still drive legally in Texas for up to 60 days after your license expires, but you must carry proof that you've submitted a renewal process. If you renew online or by mail, keep your confirmation email or receipt. If you renew in person, the DPS gives you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed.

After 60 days expired, you cannot legally drive. If you are pulled over with an expired license beyond the grace period, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your license is about to expire — you can renew up to one year before the expiration date, so there's no reason to wait until the last minute.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written and driving tests depending on how long it has been expired.

DPS office hours and wait times in Houston

The main Houston DPS office at 4007 Director Beltway is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Hours vary at other locations, so check the Texas DPS website for the specific office you plan to visit. Some offices close for lunch, so arriving early in the morning usually means shorter waits.

Wait times depend on how busy the office is. Early morning on weekdays (before 10 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays. The DPS does not take appointments for standard renewals, so you must arrive and wait your turn.

If the office is very crowded when you arrive, you can leave and come back later. There's no penalty for not completing your renewal on the first visit. Many people find it faster to visit on a weekday morning when traffic is lighter and the office is less busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

What if I've moved and my address is different?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your address has changed. Bring your current license and proof of residency at your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days). The DPS will update your address during the renewal process.

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for the DPS to mail your new license. Mail-in renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Replacement is a different process than renewal and requires a police report or affidavit. Contact a Houston DPS office for the replacement process and required documents.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license?

No. Standard driver's licenses are still valid for driving in Texas. Real ID is required only for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you want a Real ID, you can request it during renewal, but it's not required for standard renewal.

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.