Where and how to renew your Texas license
You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — but not all three routes work for everyone. Online renewal is the fastest if you're under 85, your license hasn't been suspended, and you haven't changed your address. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes one visit but requires an appointment, which can be weeks out depending on your location.
The online route costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. Mail renewal costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, plus a $5 appointment fee. You'll need to bring your current license and proof of residency if you've moved.
If you can't renew online or by mail — because your license was suspended, you're over 85, or you've had a name change — you must go in person. You'll need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website is available if your license is valid, you're under 85, and your address hasn't changed — it takes about one week and costs $16 or $32 depending on the term you choose.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires the same documents as in-person renewal: your current license and proof of residency dated within 90 days.
- In-person renewal requires an appointment booked through the DPS website, and you must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
- If your license is suspended, you're over 85, or you've changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail and must renew in person at a DPS office.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or within two weeks if you renew by mail.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If you're approved, you'll pay $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you're over 85, if you've changed your name, or if you need to update your address. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal and what to send
read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name.
Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year renewal) or $32 (eight-year renewal) made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DPS address on the form — there are regional processing centers, so check the form to find the correct one for your area.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. Keep a copy of everything you send in case questions come up.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Book an appointment through the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code and selecting an office near you. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas — you may need to look at offices outside your when ready area or check back frequently for cancellations. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You'll pay $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, plus a $5 appointment fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
When your license is suspended or you're over 85
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to learn the reason and the steps to restore your driving privileges.
If you're over 85, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Book an appointment through the DPS website and bring the same documents as any other in-person renewal: your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your renewal arrives, you can still drive legally while your renewal is in process — as long as you have proof that you've submitted your renewal. Keep a copy of your online confirmation, your mailed packet receipt, or your appointment confirmation with you.
If you're pulled over, show the officer your expired license and your proof of renewal. Most officers will not cite you for an expired license if you can show you've already started the renewal process. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you're renewing rather than reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
If you've moved within Texas, you can renew by mail or in person, but not online. You'll need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you've moved out of Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license; you'll need to obtain a license from your new state.
How long does my renewed license last?
You can choose a four-year renewal for $16 or an eight-year renewal for $32. The term you choose depends on your preference and how long you plan to keep your current address and name.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license. You'll need to replace it first by going in person to a DPS office with proof of your identity and residency. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it through any of the three methods.
Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
No. Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a medical examination and written test depending on your endorsements and restrictions.
What if my renewal hasn't arrived after two weeks?
Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number or receipt. They can track your license and tell you whether it's been mailed. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.