Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the DPS website.
Before you start any renewal, gather your current license and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll also need a valid payment method — debit card or credit card. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've had a name change since your last renewal, if you need to correct information on your license, or if your license expired more than two years ago. If any of these explore to you, renew by mail or in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, but only works if your license is valid and your information hasn't changed.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on their website, and takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready but requires you to book an appointment first through the DPS website, and you must bring your current license and proof of residency.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, your name has changed, or your license is suspended, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS, so update your address before renewing if you've moved.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" under the Online Services section. You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Answer the questions about your current address, whether your vision has changed, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Review your information carefully — if anything is wrong, stop and renew in person or by mail instead, because you cannot change it online.
Once you've reviewed everything, pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address before renewing, update it on the DPS website first or call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789.
Mail renewal with a check or money order
read the DL-44 form from the DPS website or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the reason for renewal. Include your current license (you won't get it back), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website — the address changes depending on which region you live in, so check the website before mailing.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. There is no tracking, so if you don't receive your new license within four weeks, call 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Keep a copy of the DL-44 form and your proof of mailing in case you need to follow up.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Book an appointment through the DPS website by selecting your county and the office location nearest you. Appointments fill up quickly in urban areas, so book as soon as you know you need to renew. Bring your current license, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of residency dated within the last 90 days (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). Arrive 10 minutes early.
At the office, a DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, a driving test, and a new photo. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so contact a DPS office for the exact requirements and fees.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. Your expiration date doesn't affect which renewal method you choose — only whether you can renew at all.
Address changes and other updates
If you've moved since your last renewal, update your address on the DPS website before you renew online or by mail. When you renew in person, the DPS employee will update your address as part of the renewal process. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when your renewal is processed, so make sure it's correct.
If you need to change your name, correct your date of birth, update your gender marker, or fix any other information on your license, you cannot do it during renewal — you must visit a DPS office in person and bring documents proving the change (marriage certificate, court order, or amended birth certificate). Do this before you renew, or renew first and then make the correction as a separate transaction.
License types and renewal costs
Standard driver's licenses renew for four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) renew for four years ($32) and require an in-person visit and a medical certificate. Motorcycle endorsements renew at the same time as your license and cost $10 extra. Hazmat endorsements require fingerprinting and cost $5 extra.
If you're renewing by mail, pay by check or money order only — the DPS does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. If you're renewing online or in person, you can use debit or credit card. Senior citizens (age 85 and older) pay a reduced renewal fee — check the DPS website for the current amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by DPS or the court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out what you need to do.
How long does my temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the DPS office. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't, call 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your new address. They can update your address in the system, and your new license will be mailed to the updated address. Keep your temporary paper license until your permanent license arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license — you must replace it first. Visit a DPS office in person with your proof of identity and proof of residency. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any method.