Where to renew and what method works for you

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are 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 about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you leave with your license the same day.

Not everyone can use every method. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had more than two address changes since your last renewal, and your license expired no more than two years ago. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option at 10 minutes and costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, but only works if your license expired within the last two years and has no suspensions.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to submit your current license and a completed form by mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have had more than two address changes since your last renewal.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either your current license or a birth certificate to renew by any method.
  • Texas sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you can renew up to two years after expiration.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and select "Online Services" from the main menu. Click on "Driver License Online Renewal" and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you will be asked to review your current address and choose your license term — four years or eight years.

After you confirm your information and pay the fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal.

Mail renewal with a paper form

read form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website or request it by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and the license term you want (four or eight years). Sign and date the form, then mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

The DPS will process your renewal in the order it is received. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your package. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If you want to track your renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your driver's license number.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office using the office locator on dps.texas.gov. You can schedule an appointment online or walk in during office hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your license has been lost or stolen, bring a birth certificate or passport instead of your license.

At the office, you will complete a form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive your new license on the spot. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually less crowded than late afternoons and weekends. If you schedule an appointment, you will typically wait less than 30 minutes.

Documents you need for any renewal method

All renewal methods require you to provide your Social Security number and your current address. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will enter this information into a form or website. If you are renewing in person, you will need to bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

You will also need either your current driver's license or a birth certificate. If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, bring your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring a Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a W-2 form or tax return.

What happens if your license has expired more than two years ago

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, a driving test, and a new photo. The process takes longer and costs more than renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

You can still drive legally while you are waiting for your appointment if you have a valid out-of-state license or a valid passport. Once your license has been expired for more than two years, it is no longer valid for identification or driving purposes.

Renewing a license that is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. When you arrive, the staff will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew. This might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof that a child support obligation has been met.

The cost of clearing a suspension or revocation varies depending on the reason. Once you have resolved the issue, you can renew your license at the same visit. Bring all the documents listed above, plus any documents related to clearing your suspension or revocation, such as a receipt for a reinstatement fee or a certificate of completion for a defensive driving course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved more than twice since my last renewal?

No. If you have had more than two address changes since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your current address and your current license or birth certificate.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

A renewed Texas driver's license is valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you choose when you renew. You can choose the term that works best for you.

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

If you renewed online or by mail and lose your license before the new one arrives, go to a DPS office and report it lost. You can request a replacement license, which will cost an additional fee. Bring your confirmation number from your online renewal or your receipt from your mail renewal.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a DPS office in Texas. Some military personnel stationed outside Texas may be able to renew through a military installation — call 1-888-589-6789 to ask.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken. You can request a new photo during an online or mail renewal by visiting a DPS office and paying a small fee.