How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is fastest and available to most people whose licenses are not expired by more than two years. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your photo.

Your renewal method depends on how long your current license has been expired, whether you have moved, and whether you want a new photo. Texas does not require you to renew in person every time—many renewals happen entirely online or by mail. The state charges the same fee regardless of method: $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and works for most people whose licenses expired within the last two years.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and is available only if your license is not expired, or expired less than two years ago, and you have not changed your address.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you moved, or if you want a new photo.
You will need your current or expired license number, a Social Security number, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check for online; check or money order for mail).
Texas licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age; you can choose the length when you renew.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes. Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer security questions based on your driving record and personal history. You will need a credit card or debit card to pay the $25 or $50 fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You can use online renewal only if your license expired within the last two years, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Mail renewal when you cannot go online

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, and your address has not changed. Request a renewal process by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789, or read the form from the DPS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $25 or $50, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your process.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no office visit and no credit card. You cannot use mail renewal if you have moved, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you want to change your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit a local DPS driver's license office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have moved since your last renewal, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment in cash, check, or card. The office will take your photo, process your process, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether appointments are needed.

What documents and information you need

For any renewal method, have your current or expired Texas driver's license number and your Social Security number ready. If you are renewing in person, bring your license itself plus one document showing your current address—a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you have moved and are renewing by mail or online, you cannot proceed; you must go in person.

If your name has changed since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process a name change by mail or online.

License validity and choosing your renewal length

Texas driver's licenses are valid for five or eight years. When you renew, you choose which length you want. A five-year license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $50. There is no requirement to pick one or the other—the choice is yours. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years and costs $16.

Your renewal notice will arrive about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early gives you time to handle any problems that come up.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen rather than straightforward expired, you cannot use the renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a replacement at a DPS office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment ($25 for a five-year license). The DPS will issue a replacement with a new license number. This is a different process from renewal and takes longer.

If you suspect your lost license has been used fraudulently, report it to the DPS and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. The DPS can flag your license as lost or stolen in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you live outside Texas, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is not expired by more than two years and your address has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office or explore for a license in your new state instead.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is against the law in Texas. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired within the last year, the ticket is usually a minor offense, but it still results in a fine. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office and ask if they can issue it on the spot.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name during the renewal process.

What if I want a different address on my new license?

If you have moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person with proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The office will update your address and issue your new license.

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.