How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how much time you have

Texas lets you renew your driver's license through three different routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and what type of license you hold. Online renewal is the fastest and most common option for most drivers.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you're under 18, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. In those cases, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person. Mail renewal is available only to people over 79 years old or those with a medical condition that prevents them from visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
Your license must not be expired for more than two years to renew online, and you cannot change your address or name through the online system.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Mail renewal is only available to drivers over 79 or those with a medical condition documented with DPS, and takes two to three weeks.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or in person.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety's online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Review your personal information on the screen. If your address, name, or other details are wrong, you cannot fix them online—you'll need to visit a DPS office instead. If everything is correct, you can proceed to pay the renewal fee. Texas charges $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card or credit card.

After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office to renew if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you're under 18, or if you have a medical condition on file. Bring a valid form of identification (your current license, passport, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and know your Social Security number.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Offices." Most offices do not take appointments, so you may wait 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Some locations have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon.

The renewal fee is the same as online: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The staff will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail if you're over 79 or have a medical condition

If you are 79 or older, or if you have a medical condition documented with DPS that prevents you from visiting an office, you can renew by mail. Call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-844-DPS-5555 to request a renewal process packet. They will mail it to you along with instructions.

Complete the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($16 or $32), and mail everything back to the address provided in the packet. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license and proof of residency. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet.

What to do if your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

The renewal process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee remains $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. There is no penalty fee for renewing a license that has been expired for a long time, though you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Changing your address or name during renewal

You cannot change your address or name through online renewal. If you need to update either one, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency at your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number.

If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS office will process the address or name change and issue your new license at the same time. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Understanding the different license lengths and costs

Texas offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32. Most drivers choose the eight-year option because it costs less per year and means fewer trips to renew. The choice is yours—you can pick whichever term works better for your situation.

Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it's due. If you renew before it expires, your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your birthday. Keep track of your expiration date so you don't accidentally let your license expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives by mail. Your old license remains valid during the processing period, which is typically 7 to 10 business days.

What if I need my license before the new one arrives?

You can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office when you renew in person. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, DPS will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo during in-person renewal.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue first. Call 1-844-DPS-5555 to find out the status of your license.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license. You cannot authorize someone else to renew it on your behalf, whether online or in person.

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.