How to Renew Your Texas Driver License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Where and how to renew your Texas driver license

You can renew your Texas driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at dps.texas.gov, by mail using Form DL-44, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is fastest 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 and requires an appointment booked through the website.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your name or address, if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly, or if your license expired more than two years ago. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail with additional documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dps.texas.gov takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 or $32 depending on license length, and is available if your license expired within the last two years.
Mail renewal using Form DL-44 takes two to three weeks, requires you to mail in your current license and a check or money order, and works for most renewal situations.
In-person renewal requires a DPS office appointment booked on the website, takes about 30 minutes, and is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you have a suspension.
You will need your Social Security number, current Texas driver license number, and a valid payment method (credit card for online, check or money order for mail) to renew.
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or two to three weeks for mail renewal.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the main menu, then click "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current Texas driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that need updating.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have an active suspension, or if you need to change your name or address on the license itself.

Mail renewal with Form DL-44

read Form DL-44 from dps.texas.gov or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current information, sign the form, and mail it along with your current driver license and a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal package to the DPS address shown on Form DL-44. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Keep your current license until the new one arrives. Mail renewal works for most situations, including if your license expired more than two years ago, though you may need to include additional documents if you have a suspension or name change.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Book an appointment at dps.texas.gov by selecting your county and preferred DPS office, then choosing an available date and time. Bring your current Texas driver license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You will also need to pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office.

Your appointment will take about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and your eyes tested. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a suspension, if you are changing your name, or if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly.

What to do if your license expired more than two years ago

If your Texas driver license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Book an appointment through dps.texas.gov and bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee remains $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic stop or citation. Renewing as soon as possible protects you legally. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you need to change your address, you can do so during online renewal by updating it in the form. If you need to change your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current driver license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

Address changes during online renewal take effect when ready in the system, and your new license will be mailed to your updated address. Name changes require in-person processing and take about 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Payment methods and renewal fees

Texas driver license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card at the DPS office.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your check or money order is lost, DPS will return your process and you will need to resubmit. Keep your confirmation number from online renewal or your receipt from in-person renewal for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while waiting for my new license to arrive?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires. You can continue to drive using it while your new license is being mailed to you. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.

What if I made a mistake on my renewal process?

For online renewal, contact DPS when ready at the phone number on your confirmation email. For mail renewal, contact DPS before they process your process if possible. If the mistake was already processed, you may need to renew again or visit a DPS office to correct it.

How long does in-person renewal take from start to finish?

Your appointment at the DPS office takes about 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Total time from appointment to receiving your new license is roughly two weeks.

Do I need an appointment for in-person renewal?

Yes. You must book an appointment through dps.texas.gov before visiting a DPS office. Walk-ins are not accepted for driver license renewal. Appointments can usually be booked several weeks in advance.

What if my license has a suspension on it?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license and the required documents. The DPS will check your suspension status during processing. Your renewal may be delayed if the suspension has not been cleared.

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.