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 drivers whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and who haven't had certain medical conditions reported to DPS.

If you renew 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 number. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Your license is valid for eight years if you're under 85, or four years if you're 85 or older. You can renew up to one year before it expires, so there's no penalty for doing it early.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but you must have a valid, non-suspended license and no medical holds on your record.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and a vision test.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
  • Texas licenses are valid for eight years (or four years if you're 85 or older), and renewal fees vary depending on the length of validity you choose.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online services portal. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will confirm your identity and check whether you're may be able to access — if you have a suspension, medical hold, or other restriction, you'll be told when ready and directed to renew in person instead.

Once approved, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Texas charges different amounts depending on how long you want your license to be valid: a standard eight-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal. After payment, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not open to drivers under 18, those renewing a commercial license, or anyone who needs to update their address, name, or other information on the license itself. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You don't need an appointment — DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and weekday visits tend to be shorter than afternoons or weekends.

At the office, you'll complete a driver's license process form (DL-43), take a new photo, and pass a vision test. The staff will verify your information, collect your fee, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary paper license that day; the plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if you're under 18, renewing a commercial license, changing your address or name, or if you were denied online renewal due to a suspension or medical hold. It's also the only option if your current license is expired by more than two years.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it using the same process — online or in person — as if it were current. The fee is the same, and you don't face any penalty for the gap.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and the driving test again, just as if you were getting your first license. You'll also need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal.

If you're unsure whether your license is within the two-year window, call your local DPS office or check the expiration date printed on your license. The date is on the front, in the lower right corner.

Fees and payment methods

Texas DPS charges a renewal fee that depends on the validity period you choose. An eight-year renewal costs less per year than a four-year renewal, so most drivers choose the longer option. Exact amounts change periodically, so check the Texas DPS website for the current fee before you renew.

For online renewal, you can pay by credit card or debit card only. For in-person renewal, DPS offices accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm what your local office takes.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher than a standard license, and you must renew in person. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and provide the results to DPS.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you're renewing online, you cannot change your address, name, or other information on the license. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file. If you need to update any of that information, you must renew in person.

When you renew in person, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days). If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You cannot change your date of birth or Social Security number during renewal. If either of those is incorrect on your license, you'll need to contact DPS directly to correct it before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by DPS or the court. Once cleared, you can renew normally. Contact your local DPS office or check your driving record online to see the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to lift it.

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

If you renew online or in person, your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license to drive with when ready. Don't rely on the mail date — it can take longer during busy periods or if there are postal delays.

What if I move out of Texas before my license expires?

You don't have to renew your Texas license if you move to another state. Your Texas license remains valid for driving in Texas and as identification until it expires. When you move, you should get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Online renewal doesn't include a vision test, so you can renew if you wear corrective lenses. However, if you've had a change in your vision or your prescription, you should renew in person so the vision test can confirm you still meet the standard. If you fail the vision test at an office, you may be required to wear glasses or contacts while driving.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person and bring the legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal will not let you update your name. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the name-change document to any DPS office.