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 still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to submit your current license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL-44), and a check or money order. Online renewal requires your current license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers three renewal methods: in-person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website, each with different may be able to access requirements.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, but you can only use it if your license hasn't been expired for more than two years and you have no address changes.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your process, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you.
- Your Texas driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
Online renewal: fastest if you're may be able to access
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest method if your license meets the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license has not been expired for more than two years, you have no address changes to make, and your license was not suspended or revoked. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee with a credit or debit card, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within one to two weeks. You won't get a temporary paper license with online renewal, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, you'll need to renew in person instead.
Mail renewal: plan for four to six weeks
Mail renewal works if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you have no changes to your address or other information. read Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order—DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process, not from the date you mail it. Mail delays on both ends mean you should send your process at least six to eight weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. You will not receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so plan accordingly if you need to drive during the processing period.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visiting a DPS office is the best choice if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need to change your address, or you need a temporary license when ready. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring documents showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations allow you to schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website. Arrive early in the day or mid-week to avoid peak times. The renewal process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which usually arrives within one to two weeks.
Fees and what they cover
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Texas driver's license is set by state law and does not vary by renewal method. As of 2024, the fee is $33 for a standard license. If you're renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee—check the Texas DPS website for the current amount, as it changes periodically.
The renewal fee covers the eight-year validity period of your new license. You do not pay extra for a temporary paper license if you renew in person. If you need a duplicate license or a corrected license due to an error, those services have separate fees and may require a different form or process.
What happens if your license is already expired
You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires, so the best time to start is when you receive your renewal notice in the mail. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online (if you have no address changes). If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible if yours has lapsed. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
Yes, but you cannot use online or mail renewal 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. Bring your current license and Social Security number as well.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
If you've lost your license, you'll need to report it and get a duplicate before you can renew. Visit a DPS office with your Social Security number and proof of identity. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods. The duplicate and renewal are separate transactions with separate fees.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. Your plastic license will be mailed to you and should arrive within one to two weeks. If your plastic license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact DPS to check the status.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS, which may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements. Contact DPS or visit a local office to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.
What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?
You cannot change your name during a standard renewal. You must explore for a corrected license, which requires visiting a DPS office in person and bringing legal documents that show your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This is a separate process from renewal and has its own fee.