How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed, no waiting in line. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few minutes once you're seen, but you may wait anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the location and time of day.

What you bring depends on which method you choose. For any renewal, you need your current driver's license or a valid form of ID. If you're renewing in person, bring your Social Security number (or have it memorized), proof of Texas residency dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works — and your current license. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and a check or money order to the DPS address — allow two to three weeks for processing.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is open to you if your license has not been expired for more than two years, you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed, you have not changed your name, and you are not a commercial driver. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online." 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 information against DPS records.

The fee for online renewal is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit or credit card during the transaction. Once approved, you will receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use when ready while your physical card is mailed to you. The physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. This method works well if you need to drive before your renewal card arrives.

Mail renewal when you cannot go in person

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to a DPS office. read or request the DL-44 form from the DPS website — this is the official driver's license process form. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $25 (four-year) or $50 (eight-year), and proof of residency if you have moved since your last license.

Mail the packet to the DPS address listed on the form — the address varies by region, so check the DPS website to find the correct office for your county. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to drive before it arrives, you cannot use a temporary digital license with mail renewal, so plan ahead if your current license is close to expiring.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and its hours — most are open Monday through Friday, some on Saturday mornings. Bring the DL-44 form completed, or you can fill it out at the office. The fee is $25 for four years or $50 for eight years, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window: they will verify your identity, check your vision, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your physical card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you arrive during a busy time — typically mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays — you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more. Early morning or late afternoon visits are usually faster.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available. You will also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring the same documents: your expired license (or another form of ID if you do not have it), proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal. Do not drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary paper license. If you are stopped by police, an expired license can result in a traffic citation.

Name changes and other updates

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same: $25 for four years or $50 for eight years.

If you need to update your address, medical restrictions, or organ donor status, you can do this during renewal at a DPS office. Online renewal will update your address automatically if it matches DPS records. If you are moving out of state or need to change your license class (for example, if you no longer drive commercially), you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires in-person process and a written test.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

Texas sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. This is a good time to start the renewal process, especially if you choose mail renewal. If you renew online or in person, your temporary license is valid when ready. If you renew by mail, you have no temporary license, so do not let your current license expire before mailing your renewal packet.

Your new physical license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license or digital license until the physical card arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one — do not carry both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. DPS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or failure to appear in court. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court listed on the ticket or call the county clerk's office to find out how to pay. Once paid, you can renew when ready.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a DPS office in person with another form of ID (passport, state ID, military ID) and proof of residency. You will explore for a replacement license, which costs $25 for four years or $50 for eight years. The process is the same as in-person renewal.

Do I need to take a written test or vision test to renew?

No written test is required for renewal unless your license has been expired for more than two years. You will pass a vision screening at a DPS office or online renewal will skip it if you renew online. If your vision has changed significantly, DPS may require you to wear corrective lenses while driving — this will be noted on your new license.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the renewal date.

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

Yes, you can renew by mail from anywhere. read the DL-44 form, include your current license and payment, and mail it to the DPS address for your county. You cannot renew online from out of state. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should explore for a license in your new state instead of renewing your Texas license.

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.