Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed and no wait in line. By mail takes about two to three weeks. In person at a DPS office takes longer because of wait times, but it's the only option if you need a new photo or have certain medical conditions.

What you bring depends on which method you choose. For any renewal, you'll need your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If renewing in person, bring proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail in your current license along with the completed form DL-44 and a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the completed form DL-44, and payment to the DPS address listed on the form — processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license is expired more than two years, you need a new photo, or you have medical conditions that require an office visit.
  • The renewal fee in Texas is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
  • You can check your renewal status and find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether you can renew online. You'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your current license has been expired for more than two years, if you have medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, if your address has changed, or if you need a new photo. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired more than two years and you don't need a new photo. read or request form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. Keep track of when you mailed it — if you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status using your driver's license number. Some people mail their renewal too close to their expiration date and run out of time; renew at least six weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you have medical restrictions, or if you want to change your address. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. You'll also need to pass a vision test.

Visit the Texas DPS website to find your nearest office and check current wait times — many offices post estimated wait times online so you can choose a less busy time. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling. Bring your payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office). The visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

What happens if your license is expired

You can still drive legally for a short grace period after your license expires if you have submitted a renewal process. Texas law allows you to drive while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof that you applied. If you renewed online or by mail, keep your confirmation email or receipt. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license at the office.

If your license has been expired for more than two years and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and fines, even if you have applied for renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $48 to renew. An eight-year license costs $96. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts all payment methods.

If you're renewing by mail and paying by check, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Write your driver's license number on the check. Do not send cash through the mail. If you're paying online, the fee is charged when ready when you complete your renewal.

Changing your address or photo during renewal

If you've moved, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot change your address online — you must renew in person or by mail. When you renew in person, tell the DPS employee your new address and they will update it on your new license. When you renew by mail, write your new address clearly on form DL-44 in the space provided.

If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. The DPS will take a new photo at the office. You cannot request a new photo by mail or online. If your current photo is more than eight years old, you may be required to get a new one when you renew in person.

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 your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a replacement license and you'll pay the renewal fee. If your license was lost or stolen, you may also want to report it to the DPS at the same time.

How long does a renewed Texas driver's license take to arrive?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license at the office, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.

What if I'm renewing from out of state?

If you're a Texas resident living out of state temporarily, you can renew by mail or online if you're may be able to access. If you're moving to Texas permanently, you'll need to get a Texas license rather than renew your old one — that requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with proof of residency in Texas.