How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what method works for you

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few hours on the day you go, but you walk out with a temporary license you can use when ready.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person and pass a vision test and written exam.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes, name changes, or medical condition updates.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form DL-44, and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written exam.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed since your last license was issued, you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or your license has been expired for more than two years.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with form DL-44

To renew by mail, read form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — there is a separate address for renewals, so check the form carefully before you mail it.

The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you. This process takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice. You can track the status of your renewal by calling 1-888-589-6789 and providing your license number and date of birth.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit your nearest DPS office with a valid form of identification, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Bring your current driver's license if you still have it. Valid forms of identification include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a Texas ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.

At the office, you will take a vision test and have your photo taken. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also take a written exam covering Texas traffic laws. The exam has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the current wait time for your nearest office on the Texas DPS website before you go. Many offices are less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: a valid form of identification, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. You will take a vision test, have your photo taken, and take a written exam on Texas traffic laws.

The written exam covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, stopping and parking, traffic signals, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to complete the 30-question exam and must answer at least 21 questions correctly. If you fail, you can take the exam again the same day at most offices, though some offices may ask you to return on another day. There is no additional fee to retake the exam.

Address changes, name changes, and medical updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address. When you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on form DL-44 and the DPS will update your record.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person and bring a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as a seizure disorder, diabetes, or vision problems — you must renew in person and may need to provide a medical report from your doctor.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year driver's license costs $16. An eight-year driver's license costs $32. These are the standard renewal fees and do not change based on your age or driving record. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card, credit card, or check or money order. If you renew in person, most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call your local office to confirm what payment methods they accept.

If you are 85 years old or older, your renewal is free. If you are a veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount — ask at the DPS office or call 1-888-589-6789 to find out whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail if your license expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written exam. Check your license to see the expiration date.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I fail the written exam when I renew in person?

You can retake the exam the same day at most DPS offices at no additional cost. Some offices may ask you to return on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam, but you must pass before your temporary license expires in 45 days.

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

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require an appointment. Check the Texas DPS website for your nearest office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. You can book an appointment online or by calling 1-888-589-6789.

What if my address changed but I want to renew online?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, write your new address on form DL-44. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days.

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.