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, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license (or expired license if current one is unavailable), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need a certified copy of the document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website requires you to have a valid email address and answer security questions based on your driving record. This option is the fastest if you're may be able to access, typically taking a few minutes to complete.
Key Takeaways
- Texas lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you haven't had certain violations, making it the quickest option for most people.
- Mail renewal is available if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no address changes, but takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office works for any situation but requires a trip and typically involves a wait; bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- If your license has been expired more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
- The renewal fee in Texas is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest method if you're may be able to access. You go to the Texas DPS website, select the renewal option, and answer security questions based on your driving history. The system verifies your identity using information from your existing license record. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You're may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is not expired, you have no address changes since your last renewal, your name hasn't changed, and you have no disqualifying violations on your record. If you've had a suspension, revocation, or certain traffic convictions, you'll need to renew in person instead. The Texas DPS website will tell you whether you're may be able to access before you start the process.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years
If your license expired fewer than two years ago and your address hasn't changed, you can renew by mail. Complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at a DPS office. Include your current or expired license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process. You won't receive a temporary license, so you won't be able to drive legally during this period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew in person instead. Mail renewal is not an option if your address has changed, your name has changed, or your license has been expired more than two years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll check in, wait your turn, and complete the renewal at a service window. The entire visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay the renewal fee at that time and receive your new license on the spot, though the physical card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days—you can drive legally using your receipt until it arrives.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired more than two years, if you've had an address or name change, or if you're not may be able to access for online renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written driving test, depending on how long it's been expired and your age.
What happens if your license has been expired more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, Texas treats it as an expired license that requires more thorough renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, plus a certified copy of any document showing a name change if applicable.
You'll be required to pass a vision test. Depending on how long your license has been expired and your age, you may also need to retake the written driving test. The DPS office will tell you whether the written test is required when you arrive. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it when ready. If you fail the written test, you'll need to schedule another appointment to try again.
Renewal fees and what you'll receive
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $33 to renew. An eight-year license costs $66. You pay this fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a receipt that serves as a temporary driving permit until your new license arrives. If you renewed by mail or online, you won't have a temporary permit, so plan accordingly if you need to drive during the processing period.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Scheduling an appointment typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes, while walk-ins may wait an hour or longer during busy times.
The Texas DPS website shows estimated wait times for many offices, updated throughout the day. If your local office has a long wait, you can often drive to a less busy office in a nearby city and finish faster. Early morning on a weekday is usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I'm out of state?
If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online if you're may be able to access, and your new license will be mailed to your Texas address. If you need to renew in person, you must do so at a Texas DPS office, so you'll need to return to Texas or wait until you're back to complete the renewal.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days. The DPS office will update your address during the renewal process.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online through the Texas DPS website will reduce your wait time significantly. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you may wait longer. Check your local office's policy on the DPS website before you go.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after renewal, regardless of whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. If you renewed in person, your receipt acts as a temporary permit until the card arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
What if I fail the vision test at my in-person renewal?
You can retake the vision test when ready at the same DPS office visit. If you fail a second time, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring documentation of a corrective prescription before you can complete your renewal.