How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll 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're renewing a standard license that hasn't been suspended or revoked. If you're renewing in person, you'll need to visit a local DPS driver's license office — there's no mail-in option for first-time renewals or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Before you go or explore, gather these documents: your current Texas driver's license (or expired license if it's been less than two years), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pass a vision test, which happens at the DPS office or is part of the online renewal process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is valid or expired less than two years, you have no suspensions or restrictions, and you're not changing your address or name.
Mail renewal is available only for people age 79 and older, and takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or you can receive it when ready at the office if you renew in person.
The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by card, check, or cash depending on your method.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, name, and other details. You'll also complete a vision screening by reading letters on your screen — if you fail, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll choose your license term (four or eight years) and pay the renewal fee online by card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have any suspensions or restrictions on your record, if you're changing your address or name, or if you're under 18.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS driver's license office with your documents and be prepared to wait. Bring your current or recently expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll fill out an process form (DL-43), take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. The whole visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though offices in busy areas or during peak hours (lunch time, after 3 p.m., Fridays) can take longer.

You have two choices for receiving your new license: take it with you when ready (the office will print it on the spot), or have it mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you take it when ready, you'll pay a $5 fee on top of the renewal fee. If you choose mail delivery, you pay only the standard renewal fee ($33 or $66). In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have any active suspensions, if you're changing your name or address, or if you failed the online vision screening.

Renewing by mail if you're 79 or older

Texas allows mail renewal only for people age 79 and older. Request an process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office in person. Fill out the process, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it to the address on the form along with your payment. Do not send cash — use a check or money order.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office instead. Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you have any suspensions on your record.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to visit a DPS office in person, bring your original documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency), pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay the full process fee. The process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal.

To avoid this situation, renew your license before it expires or within two years of expiration. If your license is already more than two years expired, contact your local DPS office to find out what documents and tests you'll need to bring and complete.

Fees and payment methods

A standard renewal costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. If you renew in person and want your license printed on the spot, add $5 to that total. Payment methods depend on how you renew: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card; mail renewal accepts check or money order only (no cash or card).

Some DPS offices accept payment by card at the counter, while others may require cash or check. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts. If you're renewing online or by mail and your payment is declined, your process will not be processed — you'll need to resubmit with a valid payment method.

How long it takes to get your renewed license

If you renew in person and choose when ready printing, you'll walk out with your new license the same day. If you choose mail delivery from an in-person renewal, your license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Online and mail renewals both take 7 to 10 business days for delivery, though the process processing itself may take a few days before mailing begins.

During busy periods (back-to-school season, around holidays, or after a major weather event), mail delivery may take slightly longer. If your license is needed urgently, renew in person and request when ready printing. You can check the status of your mailed license on the Texas DPS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you're a Texas resident living out of state temporarily, you can renew online or by mail. Online renewal works if your license hasn't been expired for more than two years and you have no suspensions. If you can't renew online, request a mail renewal process by calling 1-888-589-6789 or visiting the Texas DPS website.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your other documents. You cannot change your address online or by mail.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations use an online appointment system to manage wait times. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available or required. Even with an appointment, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license — you must replace it first. Visit a DPS office with your proof of residency and Social Security number, pay the replacement fee (usually $11), and receive a duplicate license. Once you have the duplicate, you can renew it through any method.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your other circumstances.

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.