How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed, no office visit, and you can complete it in minutes. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes once you're called, though wait times vary by location.

What you bring depends on which method you choose. For any renewal, you need your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail your current license along with the renewal form and a check or money order. Online renewal requires your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no address changes.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number or document showing it.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current license, the completed renewal form, and payment by check or money order.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can pick it up at the DPS office if you renew in person.
Renewal fees are $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you can choose the length when you renew.

When you can renew online

Online renewal is available only if your license meets specific conditions. Your current license must not be expired more than two years, you must have no address changes since your last renewal, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or endorsements that changed. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information on the license itself.

If you fall outside these rules, you must renew in person at a DPS office. This includes anyone whose license expired more than two years ago, anyone who moved, or anyone whose medical status or endorsements changed. The in-person process takes longer but handles all of these situations.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or document showing it. You'll fill out form DL-43 (the renewal process) at the office. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You can choose to receive your new license by mail or pick it up at the office — if you pick it up, it's ready the same day or within one business day.

Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If you don't have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name at your address plus a document showing your relationship to that person (a marriage certificate, for example).

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others have hour-long waits in the afternoon. You can check current wait times for your nearest office on the Texas DPS website before you go. No appointment is required, but some offices now offer optional online check-in to reduce your wait.

Renewing by mail

read or request form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this varies by region. Include a return envelope if you want your old license back.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You cannot drive on an expired license while waiting for your renewal by mail, so this method works best if your license is not yet expired or if you have time before you need to drive.

License fees and how long your new license lasts

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $50. You choose the length when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years instead of five. Both are standard licenses with no difference in what they allow you to do.

Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it's set to expire — five or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot legally drive on an expired Texas license. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. This is a longer process than renewal.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. Renew as soon as you notice it's expired to avoid the complications of an expired license and to restore your legal driving status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

No, you cannot renew online if you moved. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days. If you moved out of state, you may need to explore for a new Texas license rather than renew, depending on your situation — contact your local DPS office to confirm.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The staff will look up your license information and process a replacement or renewal. There may be an additional fee for a replacement.

How do I check the status of my renewed license?

If you renewed online or by mail, you can check the status on the Texas DPS website using your license number and date of birth. If you renewed in person and chose mail delivery, your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within that window, contact the DPS office where you renewed.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you're about to move, change your name, or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date five or eight years from the date you renew.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name on your new license during the renewal process.

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.