You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you renew an expired driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail using a renewal form, or by walking into a DPS office. Which route you take depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is fastest if you are within the window that allows it. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office can be done the same day you visit, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your license expired on the date printed on the front. Texas does not give a grace period—once that date passes, the license is no longer valid for driving. You can still renew it after expiration, but the process and your options change depending on how long ago it expired.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not had a name change or address change since it was issued.
- Mail renewal requires you to print and mail a form along with your expired license and payment, and takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your photo, address, or other information.
- You will need to pay a renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid—Texas offers one-year, five-year, and eight-year renewal periods.
- If you renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; requirements are lighter for online and mail renewal.
Online renewal: fastest option for recent expirations
The Texas DPS website allows online renewal if your license expired within the last two years, you have not changed your name or address since it was issued, and you do not need to update your photo. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, choose how long you want the new license valid (one, five, or eight years), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The new license ships to the address on file within seven to ten business days.
Online renewal does not let you change your address, name, or photo. If any of those need updating, you must renew by mail or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago, online renewal is not available—you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
To start, go to the Texas DPS website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee depends on how long you want the license valid: a one-year renewal costs less than a five-year or eight-year renewal.
Mail renewal: no office visit required
You can renew by mail if your license expired within the last two years. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it along with your expired license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. You cannot track the status online, so plan ahead if you need the license by a specific date. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow you to change your address or photo. If your license expired more than two years ago, mail renewal is not an option.
Mail your packet to the address shown on the DL-44 form. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there is a problem. If DPS needs more information, they will contact you by mail, which adds time to the process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office: required for older expirations
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You also must renew in person if you need to change your photo, address, name, or any other information on your license. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license the same day, though you may wait one to two hours depending on the office and time of day.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online. Check before you go. Bring your payment method—DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal and depends on how long you want the license valid.
If you are renewing in person, you can update your address, change your name (with a marriage certificate or court order), update your photo, or change your license class if you have the required training or endorsements. This is the only renewal method that lets you make these changes.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Texas offers three renewal periods: one year, five years, or eight years. The longer the period, the higher the fee. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Texas DPS website for current amounts. Most people choose the five-year or eight-year option because it means fewer renewals over time, though the upfront cost is higher.
When you renew, you choose which period you want. You do not have to renew for the same length as your previous license. If you are renewing online or by mail, you select the period during the process. If you are renewing in person, tell the DPS staff which period you want.
What to bring: documents you need for each method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number and last four digits of Social Security number (no physical documents required) |
| Expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 60 days), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), completed DL-44 form | |
| In-Person | Expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 60 days), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099) |
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement all work. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency for renewal purposes. If you have moved and your expired license shows an old address, bring proof of your new address.
Proof of Social Security number can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. You do not need to bring the original—a copy is fine. For online renewal, you only need to enter the last four digits; you do not submit any documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
No. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. If you are waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail or in person, you cannot legally drive until you receive it. Plan your renewal before your license expires to avoid this situation.
What if my license expired more than two years ago?
You must renew in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired more than two years. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any DPS office. You will receive your new license the same day.
Can I change my address when I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal only work if your information has not changed. If you need to update your address, name, or photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. In-person renewal is the only method that allows you to make changes to your license information.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew by mail?
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Texas DPS receives your packet. You cannot track the status online. If DPS needs additional information from you, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time. Online renewal is faster—your license arrives in seven to ten business days.
What if I lost my expired license?
You can still renew by mail or in person without your expired license, though you may need to provide additional documentation. Call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask what documents you need to bring or send. In-person renewal is usually the fastest option if you do not have your expired license.