Where and how to renew your Texas license
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You'll need a valid email address, your current or expired license number, and a payment method. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal follows a similar timeline but requires you to print and mail a form to the DPS with your payment.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is. You'll get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within the same timeframe as online or mail renewal. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website is available if your license expired within the last two years and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires printing Form DL-44 from the DPS website, signing it, and mailing it with payment to the address listed on the form.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a new photo.
- Renewal fees in Texas are $25 for a five-year license or $61 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days regardless of which renewal method you choose.
Online renewal requirements and limits
Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years and you have not had any address changes that need updating. You also cannot renew online if you need a new photo, which the DPS requires every eight years or when you turn 79. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
To renew online, visit the DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. After reviewing your information and paying the renewal fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records in case you need to check on your renewal status.
Mail renewal step-by-step
Mail renewal requires you to read and print Form DL-44 from the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided — an unsigned form will be returned to you.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form itself, which is typically the DPS headquarters in Austin. Include your current license or a copy of it if possible, though it is not required.
The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date they receive your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal at a DPS office instead.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two documents showing your new address. You can bring a passport, bank statement, or government-issued ID as a second form of identification if needed.
Many DPS offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Look for your nearest office location and check whether appointments are available. Walk-ins are still accepted, but appointment holders are typically seen first, which can save you 30 minutes or more during busy times.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is in the mail. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 to renew. An eight-year license costs $61. The DPS charges the same fee regardless of which renewal method you use. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
If you are 85 years old or older, renewal is free. Military members on active duty stationed outside Texas can renew for free as well. Certain other groups, including some disabled veterans, may be may have access to to reduced fees — check the DPS website for the full list of exemptions.
What happens if your license is expired
You cannot legally drive with an expired license in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could receive a citation. However, if you have a renewal process pending with the DPS and can show proof of that process (such as your confirmation number from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your form), you may be able to avoid a ticket.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS will process your renewal the same way, but you'll need to bring all required documents and have a new photo taken.
If you are driving with an expired license and get into an accident, your insurance may deny a claim or charge you higher rates. Renewing promptly protects you legally and financially.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
The DPS website has a location finder tool where you can enter your city or zip code to see all nearby driver's license offices. Each office listing shows the address, phone number, hours of operation, and whether appointments are available. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in major cities. Early morning visits, especially on weekdays, usually mean less waiting. If you call the office directly, staff can sometimes tell you how busy they are at that moment, though they cannot reserve a spot without an appointment.
If your nearest office has a long wait or limited hours, you can visit any DPS office in Texas — you are not restricted to your home county. Some people find it faster to drive to a less busy office in a neighboring area than to wait at their local one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid child support, unpaid court costs, or certain other reasons, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out how to resolve the issue.
What if my address changed since my last license was issued?
If you are renewing online, you cannot change your address — online renewal only works if your information is current. For mail or in-person renewal, bring two documents showing your new address dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DPS will update your address during the renewal process.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. This gives you time to receive your permanent license in the mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, contact the DPS with your confirmation number to check the status.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. Your renewed license is mailed directly to the address on file with the DPS. You cannot have it sent to a different address or picked up by someone else. If you are moving, update your address with the DPS before you renew, or renew after you move and provide your new address.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If your license is lost or stolen, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to a DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency. The replacement process is similar to renewal, but you'll pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if possible.