Texas driver's licenses renew every 8 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas driver's licenses expire eight years from the date they were issued. You can renew before expiration through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or by visiting a DPS driver license office in person. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Texas allows you to renew up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card. Starting your renewal early can help you avoid the rush near the expiration date and gives you time to handle any issues that come up.
Key Takeaways
- Texas licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- If your license is expired or you need to update personal information, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
- Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you renew it for, typically ranging from around $16 to $60.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your current license has not expired, you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last renewal, and you do not need a new photo on your license. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pick up a temporary paper license at a DPS office while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. A standard eight-year renewal through the website costs around $16 to $25, depending on whether you choose standard or expedited mail delivery. If you choose expedited delivery, your license arrives in 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your personal information or photo. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal process from the Texas DPS website or call the DPS customer service line. You will fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address provided on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. You should expect the process to take 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. This includes time for the DPS to process your paperwork and mail your new license to you. If you are close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not be the best choice because of the processing time.
The renewal fee for mail renewal is similar to online renewal, around $16 to $25 for an eight-year license. You cannot pay by credit card through the mail, so you must send a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person at a DPS driver license office if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In-person renewal also allows you to get your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken.
In-person renewal fees are higher than online or mail renewal. An eight-year license typically costs $40 to $60 in person, depending on the type of license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DPS offices. Some offices accept online payment before your visit, which can speed up the process.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it through the normal renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You will also need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DPS office without taking the written or driving test. You will still need to pass the vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
It is important to renew your license before it expires to avoid having to retake the driving test. Driving with an expired license can also result in a traffic ticket, so renew as soon as you notice your expiration date approaching.
Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you by using the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website. The locator shows the address, phone number, hours of operation, and services available at each office.
Many DPS offices now require appointments for in-person renewal. You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or by calling the office directly. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time significantly. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long, especially near the end of the month or before a holiday.
If you cannot find an appointment at your nearest office, check offices in nearby cities. You can renew your license at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one closest to you. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so it may be worth driving a bit farther to get an appointment sooner.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you renew it for. A standard eight-year license renewal costs around $16 to $25 online or by mail, and $40 to $60 in person. If you renew for a shorter period, such as four years, the fee is lower. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have higher renewal fees than standard licenses.
Payment methods vary depending on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some DPS offices also accept online payment before your visit, which can speed up the process.
If you are renewing your license and also need to update your address, change your name, or add restrictions or endorsements, the fee may be different. Contact the DPS or visit the website to confirm the exact fee for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
No, you cannot renew a Texas license if you no longer live in Texas. If you have moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from your new state. You can renew a Texas license only if you still live in Texas or are a member of the military stationed outside Texas.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. You can be stopped by police and issued a ticket. The penalty depends on how long your license has been expired, but it can include a fine of up to $200 and a possible court appearance. Renewing your license before it expires avoids this risk.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. Expedited delivery takes 3 to 5 business days. You can pick up a temporary paper license at a DPS office while you wait for your plastic card if you need to drive before it arrives.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
You do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail, as long as your current photo is still acceptable. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you must renew in person instead.
What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?
If you changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will have a new photo taken with your new name on the license.