How to Renew Your Texas ID Card or Driver's License

Texas ID and driver's license renewals happen through the Department of Public Safety, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

Your Texas ID or driver's license does not renew automatically. The state sends you a notice in the mail before expiration, but you have to complete the renewal yourself. How you renew depends on whether you are renewing an ID card, a driver's license, whether your address has changed, and how much time is left before yours expires. Some renewals can happen entirely online or by mail; others require a visit to a DPS office.

Texas allows you to renew up to two years before your card expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early can be useful if you travel or need your ID for employment, since processing takes time even for online renewals.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works for driver's licenses and ID cards if your address has not changed and you have no medical conditions to report.
By-mail renewal is available for driver's licenses and ID cards, but you must submit your current card and a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your address has changed, if you need to update your photo, or if you have not renewed in more than ten years.
Processing times vary: online renewals typically take one to two weeks, by-mail renewals take two to four weeks, and in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
You can renew up to two years before expiration, and the new card will be valid for six years (driver's license) or five years (ID card).

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

The Texas Department of Public Safety website allows you to renew your driver's license or ID card online if you meet certain conditions. Your address must not have changed since your last renewal, you cannot have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and your current card must not be suspended or revoked. You will need your current card number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will answer questions about your current information and confirm that nothing has changed. The fee for online renewal is the same as in-person renewal: currently $16 for a driver's license or $13 for an ID card, though fees can change. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, because you do not have to visit an office or wait for mail processing. However, if anything about your situation has changed—your address, your name, your medical status, or your vision—you cannot use this method.

By-mail renewal for driver's licenses and ID cards

You can renew by mail if your address has not changed and you do not need to update your photo. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (for a driver's license) or Form DL-71 (for an ID card), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by phone. You must include your current card with your process, so you will not have a valid ID during processing.

Mail your completed form, your current card, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. The fee is the same as online renewal. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided on the process.

By-mail renewal works well if you do not need your ID when ready and your information has not changed. However, you will be without a valid ID for the duration of processing, which can be a problem if you need to travel or show ID for work. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, if your card has been lost or stolen, if you have not renewed in more than ten years, or if you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name or correct information on your card.

Visit your local DPS office with your current card, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring a valid form of identification if your current card is expired. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new card will be issued the same day or within a few days.

In-person renewal is the most time-consuming option because you have to travel to an office and may wait in line, but it is the only option for address changes and photo updates. Many DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times significantly. Check the Texas DPS website to find your nearest office and see if appointments are available.

What happens if your card is expired or about to expire

An expired Texas ID or driver's license cannot be used for identification purposes, including travel, employment verification, or age verification. If your card has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired card, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

If your card will expire within 60 days, you can still renew online or by mail if you are otherwise may be able to access. However, if you need a valid ID when ready, in-person renewal is faster because you receive your card the same day. Some DPS offices can issue a temporary paper ID if you need proof of identity while your new card is being processed.

Renewing a Texas ID card versus a driver's license

A Texas ID card and a driver's license renew through the same system and follow the same process, but they are different documents. An ID card proves your identity and age but does not authorize you to drive. A driver's license proves your identity, age, and driving authorization. Both are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety and both expire and require renewal.

If you hold a driver's license, you renew that, not an ID card. If you hold an ID card, you renew that. You cannot hold both at the same time. If you want to switch from an ID card to a driver's license (or vice versa), you must explore for a new document rather than renew; that requires an in-person visit and a driving test if you are explore for a license.

Fees and payment methods for renewal

The renewal fee for a Texas driver's license is currently $16, and the renewal fee for an ID card is currently $13. These fees cover a six-year license or a five-year ID card. Fees are subject to change and may vary if you are renewing early or if you need additional services like a duplicate card or a name change.

For online renewal, you pay by debit or credit card at the time of submission. For by-mail renewal, you can include a check or money order with your process, or you can pay online before mailing your form. For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. Call your local office to confirm payment methods before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas ID if I have moved out of state?

No. You must renew your Texas ID or driver's license in person at a Texas DPS office if you have moved. If you no longer live in Texas, you will need to obtain an ID or driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Texas card by mail if you wish, but you cannot renew it remotely once you have moved.

What if I lost my current card and cannot mail it in?

If your card is lost or stolen, you cannot use by-mail renewal because you must submit your current card. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or another government-issued ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How long does it take to get my renewed card after I explore online?

Online renewals typically arrive within one to two weeks of submission. Processing times can vary depending on mail delivery and DPS workload. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit your process, which you can use to track your renewal status on the Texas DPS website.

Can I drive with an expired Texas license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you must visit a DPS office in person to receive a temporary paper ID or expedited card. Some offices can issue a temporary ID the same day.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

If your process is rejected, the Texas DPS will mail you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete information, an unaccepted payment method, or a change in your status that requires in-person processing. Follow the instructions in the notice to resubmit or visit an office in person to complete your renewal.

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.