Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and whose last renewal was within the past 12 months.
If you renew in person, 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 online, you'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. You do not need to bring documents to an office for online renewal.
Standard renewals take about two weeks by mail after you complete the transaction. Expedited processing is available at DPS offices for an additional fee if you need your license sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is valid, not suspended, and your last renewal was within 12 months.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
- Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks; expedited processing is available at DPS offices for an extra fee.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
The Texas DPS online renewal system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records.
Once verified, you'll answer questions about whether your address, height, eye color, or other physical characteristics have changed. If nothing has changed, you can keep your current information on file. You'll then pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Texas charges $33 for a standard five-year renewal and $66 for an eight-year renewal; the eight-year option is available only to people age 85 and older.
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to update your address before renewal, you must do that in person at a DPS office or through a separate online address-change transaction.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the same fee as online renewal — $33 for five years or $66 for eight years — by cash, check, or card.
Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. If you need it faster, ask the office about expedited processing. Some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the day you renew, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.
In-person renewal also lets you update your address, change your name, add or remove organ donor status, or correct other information in real time. If you need any of these changes, bring supporting documents — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example, or a utility bill for an address change.
When you can renew and how long it takes
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can renew it starting June 15, 2024. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for five or eight years from the date you renew.
Standard processing takes about two weeks from the time you submit your renewal, whether online or in person. During busy periods, it may take longer. If you need your license sooner, visit a DPS office and ask about expedited processing. Some offices can issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online. Expired licenses can be renewed for up to two years after expiration; after that, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online if it is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must go to a DPS office in person. The office will tell you why your license is not valid — common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition reported to DPS.
Depending on the reason, you may need to clear the suspension before you can renew. For example, if your license is suspended because of unpaid fines, you'll need to pay those fines or set up a payment plan with the court. If it's suspended for a medical reason, you may need to provide a doctor's statement. The DPS office can explain what you need to do and which agency to contact.
Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew in person at any DPS office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal — your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — plus any documents that show the suspension has been resolved.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
If you live outside Texas or cannot visit a DPS office, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or through the DPS website. Fill out the process, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it to the address provided on the form along with your payment.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically four to six weeks. You cannot update your photo or make changes to your information through mail renewal. If you need to change your address, name, or other details, you'll need to renew in person or complete a separate transaction online.
Mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine or failed to appear in court, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will tell you whether the ticket is blocking your renewal and what you need to do to clear it — usually paying the fine or contacting the court.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If you renew online, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring a proof of residency document dated within 90 days showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — and the office will update it. If you renew by mail, you cannot change your address; you'll need to complete a separate online address change or visit an office.
How much does it cost to renew in Texas?
A standard five-year renewal costs $33. An eight-year renewal costs $66 and is available only to people age 85 and older. If you choose expedited processing at a DPS office, there is an additional fee that varies by location; ask the office for the exact amount.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online without your current license number. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time. You'll pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, if you meet the online renewal requirements, you can renew from anywhere with internet access. If you cannot renew online, you can request a mail renewal process by phone at 1-888-589-6789. You can also visit any DPS office in Texas if you're traveling back to the state.