Where to renew and what method works for your situation
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the location is.
Not everyone can use online or mail renewal. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid Texas address on file, and your license expired no more than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if you want to add or remove endorsements like a motorcycle rating.
If you've moved out of state or your license was lost or stolen, you'll also need to go to a DPS office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license expired within the last two years and is not suspended.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but you'll need to include a check or money order and mail your current license to the DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your name or address, or your license was lost or stolen.
- You'll need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval for online and mail renewals; in-person renewals are sometimes issued on the spot.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing license information. Review it for accuracy — if anything is wrong, you'll need to renew in person instead.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The system will give you a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, it will explain why — usually because your license is suspended, expired more than two years ago, or has a flag on it. In that case, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal with a check or money order
read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want your new license mailed. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license — made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."
Mail your completed form, check or money order, and your current license to the address listed on the DL-44 form. Keep a copy of the form for your records. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license within two to three weeks. During that time, you can still drive using your old license.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you're not comfortable using the website or if you prefer to handle everything by post. However, if your license is suspended or expired more than two years ago, the DPS will reject your mail renewal and you'll need to renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or consular ID card), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
Walk in during business hours — you do not need an appointment, but you may wait. The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the renewal fee. Some offices issue your new license on the spot; others mail it to you within two weeks. Ask the staff which applies at your location.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your name or address, you want to add or remove endorsements, or your license was lost or stolen. It's also the only option if you've moved out of state or if the online system flagged your license for any reason.
What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The staff will tell you why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it — this might include paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support issue.
Once you've resolved the underlying issue, you can renew your license at the same DPS office. Bring proof that you've taken care of the problem — for example, a receipt showing you paid a fine, or a certificate from a defensive driving course. The DPS will verify the issue is cleared before processing your renewal.
Renewing a license that expired more than two years ago
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, so you'll need to bring the same documents you would for a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (or your Social Security card), and proof of Texas residency for at least 30 days.
You'll also take a new written test and vision test at the DPS office. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you'll pay the license fee and have your photo taken. Your new license will be mailed to you or issued on the spot, depending on the office.
Fees and how long each method takes
| Renewal Method | Cost | Time to Receive License | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | 10–14 business days | License expired within 2 years, not suspended |
| $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | 2–3 weeks | License expired within 2 years, not suspended | |
| In-person | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | Same day or 2 weeks | License expired 2+ years ago, suspended, or address change needed |
The four-year license is cheaper but expires sooner. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer, so the annual cost is lower. Choose based on how long you plan to keep your current address and whether you want to renew less often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to another state?
No. You must renew your Texas license in person at a DPS office in Texas, and you'll need to provide a Texas address. If you've permanently moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but you cannot renew it without a Texas address.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DPS will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license has already expired, you'll renew it at the same time.
Do I need to take a new photo for online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Some people renew in person just to update their photo.
What if the online system rejects my renewal?
The system will tell you why — usually because your license is suspended, expired more than two years ago, or has a flag on it. Go to a DPS office in person with your documents. The staff can explain the issue and tell you what you need to do to fix it before you can renew.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Renewing early is useful if you're about to move or if you want to change your photo or address before your current license expires.