Renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you renew an expired driver's license through three routes: the online portal at DPS.Texas.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which route you can use depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need a new photo.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If it has been expired longer than two years, or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through DPS.Texas.gov works only if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the same conditions as online renewal: expiration within two years and no new photo needed.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you want a new photo.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (online and in-person accept debit or credit card; mail requires a check or money order).
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Go to DPS.Texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu, then choose "Renew." You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.
During the online process, you will confirm your address, choose whether to register to vote or update your voter registration, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $25. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had a name change since your last license, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal with a paper form
Request the renewal form DL-44 by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900, or read it from DPS.Texas.gov. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and signature. You will need to include a check or money order for $25 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."
Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must have expired within the last two years, and you cannot request a new photo. If either condition does not explore to you, renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS office with your expired driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring a debit or credit card to pay the $25 renewal fee. You do not need an appointment, but you can reserve a time slot online at DPS.Texas.gov to reduce wait time.
At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer a few questions to update your information, and pay the fee. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the DPS office whether they offer a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic card.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have changed your name, or if you want a new photo. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary document if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
What to bring and what it costs
| Renewal Method | What You Need | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, Social Security number, date of birth, debit or credit card | $25 | 7–10 business days |
| Completed DL-44 form, check or money order for $25 | $25 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, debit or credit card | $25 | 7–10 business days (temporary license may be available same day) |
All three methods cost $25 for a standard five-year renewal. If you are 85 or older, the renewal fee is $10. The fee does not change based on how long your license has been expired.
Finding a DPS office near you
Use the office locator at DPS.Texas.gov to find the nearest DPS driver license office, hours of operation, and current wait times. Many offices are busier on Mondays, Fridays, and the first week of the month. Visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon often means a shorter wait.
If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, mail renewal or online renewal (if you are within the two-year window) may be your most practical option. Some county tax assessor offices also offer limited driver license services; call your county assessor to ask whether they can help with renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you renew in person, ask the DPS office whether they can issue a temporary paper license on the spot. If you renew online or by mail, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
What if my address has changed since my license expired?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal. At an in-person visit, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The DPS will print your new address on your renewed license.
Do I need a new photo if my license expired a long time ago?
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will receive a new photo. If it expired within two years, you can keep your old photo by renewing online or by mail, or request a new photo by renewing in person.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
The in-person visit takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your new plastic license card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some DPS offices can issue a temporary paper license the same day if you need to drive before the card arrives.
What if I lost my Social Security number proof?
Bring one of these documents instead: a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or Social Security card. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before you visit the DPS office.