Where to renew and what you need

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, online through the DPS website, by mail, or through a licensed driver license service center. The fastest route is usually online if you meet the requirements — you can complete it from home in minutes. Mail and online both cost less than an in-person visit.

Before you choose a method, check whether you're may be able to access to renew by mail or online. You cannot use these methods if your license is suspended, if you're required to pass a vision test, if you've had certain medical conditions reported to DPS, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew online or by mail if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on the license itself — though you can update your address online without renewing.

If you do not meet the online or mail requirements, you must visit a DPS office or service center in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). 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.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no medical holds or vision test requirements.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs less than visiting an office, but you cannot use it if your license expired more than two years ago.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office or service center is required if your license is suspended, if you need a vision test, or if you're changing your name or address on the license itself.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewals may issue a temporary license on the spot.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal. You can choose how long your new license is valid when you pay.

After you submit your information and payment, DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file. If you need to change your mailing address before renewal, you can update it on the DPS website without renewing your license — just log in and select "Change Address." Your new license will then be mailed to the updated address.

Online renewal is not available if you're renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), if you need to add or remove endorsements, or if you're under 18. Minors and CDL holders must renew in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current license and payment. The renewal fee is the same as online: $16 for one year or $48 for five years. Include a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail your process at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap. DPS typically processes mail renewals in two to three weeks, but processing times can be longer during busy periods. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical hold, or if you need a vision test. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DPS office or service center

Visit any DPS office or licensed driver license service center with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You can find office locations and hours on the DPS website. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.

At the office, you'll have your photo taken, pass a vision screening, and pay the renewal fee ($16 for one year or $48 for five years). Some offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if you're under 18, if you hold a commercial license, if you need to add or remove endorsements, or if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review. It's also the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you're changing your name or address on the license itself.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license. The fee is the same. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office or service center. You'll need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it's been expired. Bring all required documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person with your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a current medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if your CDL requires one. The renewal fee is $48 for five years or $16 for one year.

You'll have your photo taken and pass a vision screening. If you're adding, removing, or renewing endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), you may need to pass a written test for that endorsement. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing an identification card instead of a driver license

If you have a Texas identification card (ID) instead of a driver license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same methods and fees described above. Online and mail renewal have the same restrictions: your ID cannot be suspended, you cannot have a medical hold, and your ID cannot have been expired for more than two years.

Visit the DPS website to renew online, or read Form DL-43 to renew by mail. If you must renew in person, bring your current ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any DPS office or service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must visit a DPS office in person, but DPS will not issue a new license until the suspension is lifted. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals at a DPS office may issue a temporary paper license when ready, with your permanent license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times can be longer during peak periods.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

If you're renewing online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file. To change your address, update it on the DPS website before you renew, or provide your new address when you mail in your renewal form. If you're renewing in person, tell the DPS staff your new address and they'll print it on your license.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any DPS office in Texas when you're back in the state. You cannot renew at a Texas DPS office while you're out of state.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. You'll pay a replacement fee (usually $11) in addition to the renewal fee if your license is also expired.