How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, who have no medical conditions that need re-evaluation, and whose current license is not more than two years expired.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the physical card — the DPS can look it up. If your address has changed, bring the residency document showing your new address. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In-person renewals at a DPS office typically take 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go. Online renewals are processed within one business day, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is current or less than two years expired and has no suspension or medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can request it at the office if you renew in person.
If your license is more than two years expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Online renewal through the DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online services portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose whether you want to keep it the same or update it. You can also change your name online if you have a certified copy of the document showing the change — you'll upload an image of it during the process.

Once you submit, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Texas charges $33 for a five-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not open to you if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review; or if you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status. In those cases, you must go to a DPS office in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. The staff will take your photo, run a background check, and process your renewal on the spot. You can choose to receive your new license by mail or pick it up at the office the same day if you pay an additional fee — currently $5 to $10 depending on the office.

If you pick it up the same day, you'll have your new license within a few hours. If you choose mail delivery, it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can keep driving.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years. In that case, the DPS may ask you to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening. You'll also need to bring proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form — in addition to your residency proof.

What happens if your license is expired

You can drive on an expired license for up to two years after the expiration date in Texas. After two years, your license is considered invalid and you cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by police while driving on an expired license, you may receive a citation, though officers often issue a warning if the expiration is recent.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS will require you to pass the written test and vision screening again before they issue a new license. This is the same test and screening you took when you first got your license. You can study the Texas Driver Handbook on the DPS website to prepare.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may be able to renew by mail under certain conditions. Contact your local DPS office to ask whether mail renewal is available for your situation.

Changing your name, address, or other information

If you're renewing online and want to change your address, you can do that in the online portal without visiting an office. If you want to change your name, you'll need to upload a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will review the document and issue your new license with the updated name.

If you're renewing in person, tell the DPS staff member what information needs to change. Bring the certified document that shows the change. The staff will update your record on the spot and print your new license with the correct information.

You cannot change your gender marker or organ donor status during a routine renewal. To make those changes, you must visit a DPS office in person and request a change of information form. For a gender marker change, you'll also need to bring a certified court order or a certified copy of an amended birth certificate showing the new gender.

DPS office locations and wait times

Texas has DPS offices in every major city and most smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. The website also shows the current wait time at each location, updated throughout the day. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer waits, while rural offices may have shorter ones.

If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning on a weekday, or visit a smaller office outside your when ready area if one is nearby. Some DPS offices offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot in advance. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are available.

DPS offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by office, so check the website before you go. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some offices offer extended evening hours on certain days.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year driver's license renewal costs $33, and an eight-year renewal costs $66. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card during the process. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office. If you choose to pick up your license the same day instead of waiting for mail delivery, there is an additional fee of $5 to $10 depending on the office.

If you cannot afford the renewal fee, contact your local DPS office to ask whether a fee waiver or payment plan is available. Some offices may work with you if you explain your situation, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than two years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office and you will need to retake the written test and vision screening. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will be mailed to your address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I moved out of state and my Texas license expired?

Contact your local DPS office to ask whether you can renew by mail. Some situations allow mail renewal, but it depends on how long you've been out of state and whether you still have a Texas address on file. If mail renewal is not available, you may need to visit a DPS office in person or contact the office by phone to discuss your options.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

No appointment is required, but some DPS offices offer online appointment scheduling that lets you reserve a time slot in advance. Check your local office's website to see whether appointments are available. Walk-ins are always accepted during business hours.

Can I change my name when I renew my license?

Yes. If you renew online, upload a certified copy of the document showing the name change. If you renew in person, bring the certified document with you. The DPS will update your record and issue your new license with the correct name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.