How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

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 online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed and no wait in line. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DPS office in person, and you should expect to wait; many offices have waits of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and location.

What you bring depends on which method you choose. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pass an eye test at the office.

For mail renewal, you must have a valid, unexpired Texas license and meet specific age and medical requirements. You will mail your current license along with the renewal form (DL-44) and the fee to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your materials.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had certain medical conditions or violations in the past five years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you meet health and driving record requirements; it takes two to three weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to you after in-person or mail renewal; plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.

Online renewal: who can use it and how

Online renewal is the simplest path if you are between 18 and 84 years old, your license is not expired, and you have not been convicted of certain traffic offenses in the past five years. You also cannot have had a medical suspension or denial in that time. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is the same as in-person renewal.

After you complete the online transaction, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed, you must update it before you renew. The whole process takes about 10 minutes online, and your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DPS office. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you can schedule one online to skip the walk-in line. Go to the Texas DPS website, find your nearest office, and check the appointment availability. Some offices fill up weeks in advance, so book early if you want a specific date.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the past 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the document that proves it. At the office, you will take an eye test and have your photo taken. The fee varies by license type and length — a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You will pay at the office and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal: requirements and timeline

Mail renewal is only for people whose licenses are not yet expired and who meet specific health and driving record requirements. You cannot have had a medical suspension, denial, or conviction for certain traffic violations in the past five years. If you are over 79, you cannot renew by mail.

To renew by mail, complete form DL-44 (available on the Texas DPS website), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Your new license will be mailed back to you. The entire process takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope, so mail it at least a month before your license expires if you need it by a certain date.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it using the same methods as a regular renewal — online, by mail, or in person. You will not have to retake the written test or driving test. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. This means taking the written test, the driving test, and the eye test, and paying the full fee for a new license rather than the lower renewal fee.

If you are unsure whether your license is still within the two-year window, check the expiration date on your license or call your local DPS office. It is worth checking before you go in person, because the process and cost are very different.

Fees and how long the new license takes to arrive

Renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amount varies, so check the Texas DPS website or call your local office for current pricing. You pay the fee at the time of renewal — online, by mail, or in person at the office.

After you renew, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. In-person and mail renewals both take about 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Online renewal is the same. If you need your license by a specific date, renew at least two weeks before that date to account for mail delivery time. You can legally drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are renewing in person, you can change your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The address change is processed when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the new address.

If you are renewing online or by mail and need to change your address, you must update it before you renew. Go to the Texas DPS website and update your address in your driver record first, then proceed with renewal. For name changes, you must renew in person and bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will process the name change as part of your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Texas DPS to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You will need to explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is usually lower than a renewal fee.

Do I need to take the eye test again if I renew in person?

Yes. You will take an eye test at the DPS office as part of your in-person renewal. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the eye test, the office will tell you what to do next.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your current license expires.

What if I moved out of Texas — do I still renew with Texas DPS?

No. If you have moved to another state and established residency there, you should get a driver's license from that state instead. You cannot renew a Texas license if you no longer live in Texas. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their renewal process.

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.