Where to renew your Dallas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, but the Dallas area has multiple locations. The main DPS Driver License office in Dallas is at 4413 S. Westmoreland Road. You can also renew at smaller satellite offices in surrounding areas like Arlington, Plano, and Irving, though wait times vary by location.
Before you go to any office, check the DPS website for current hours and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system, and booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly. Some locations accept walk-ins, but appointment holders are served first.
If you cannot visit an office in person, Texas offers online renewal for certain situations — but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements. The online option is faster and costs less, so check whether you may have access to before making a trip.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew at the main DPS office on Westmoreland Road in Dallas or at satellite offices in Arlington, Plano, and Irving.
- Book an appointment through the DPS website before you go; appointment holders are served before walk-ins.
- If your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, you may renew online for $16 instead of visiting an office.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; requirements vary slightly depending on your renewal type.
- Standard renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail; you can request expedited service for an extra fee.
Online renewal: when you can skip the office visit
Texas allows online renewal if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that need review, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. The online process costs $16 and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
After you complete the online renewal, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your driving privileges.
If you have had a license suspension, a DWI conviction, or certain medical conditions, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. The DPS will not accept a Social Security card alone as proof of identity.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Without this document, you cannot renew under a different name.
Renewal fees and processing times
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25 in Texas. If you are 85 years old or older, renewal costs $10. Online renewal costs $16 and is only available for standard renewals.
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days by mail after you submit your process. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited service at the DPS office for an additional fee — typically $5 to $10 depending on how fast you need it. Some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is being made.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can sometimes walk out with a temporary license the same day. Ask the staff whether your location offers this service when you arrive or when you book your appointment.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the same requirements as online renewal. Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or downloading the form from the DPS website. Fill out the process, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail it to the address on the form along with your fee.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically 15 to 20 business days from the time the DPS receives your process. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the DPS to return any documents you send.
Keep a copy of everything you mail. If your process gets lost, you will have proof of what you sent and when.
What happens if your license has expired
If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written exam, and a vision test. You will also need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency, which is not required for standard renewal.
If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew it using the same process as a standard renewal. You do not need to retake the written exam or vision test, and you do not need to provide citizenship documents.
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
Texas will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic tickets or court fines. You must pay the ticket or appear in court to resolve it before the DPS will process your renewal. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out the balance owed.
How long does a renewed license last?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes. If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the DPS office, or update your address online through the DPS website before you renew. You do not need to wait for your new license to arrive to change your address.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If your license was lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement, not a renewal. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. A replacement costs $11 and takes the same time as a renewal.
Do I need a vision test to renew?
If you renew online or by mail, you do not take a vision test. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the staff will give you a quick vision screening. If you fail, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before your license is issued.