Where to renew your Texas driver's license
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not handle driver's licenses — that's the job of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You renew through DPS, not DMV. You have three ways to renew: online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're renewing a standard license (not a commercial license, motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat endorsement). You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired more than two years and you don't need to change your address or other information. You'll mail your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on their website. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired more than two years, you need a new photo, you're changing your address, or you're adding an endorsement. You'll bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not the DMV, handles driver's license renewals.
- Online renewal is available for standard licenses and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you're not changing your address or photo.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or you're adding an endorsement.
- You can schedule an appointment at a DPS office online or walk in during business hours at most locations.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
If you're renewing in person, bring your current driver's license and two forms of identification that prove your identity and residency. One document must show your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. The second can be a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or another government-issued ID.
You'll also need to prove your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form will work. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Bring your current license even if it's expired. If you've lost it, you can still renew, but you'll need to report it lost or stolen first through the DPS website or at the office.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew online or by mail. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $27. These prices are set by the state and do not vary by location.
Your renewed license will be valid for five years from the date of issue. If you're over 85 years old, your license is valid for two years instead. Commercial licenses and licenses with hazmat endorsements have different expiration periods — check your current license or the DPS website for your specific type.
If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary paper license by email or mail that you can use while your plastic card is in transit. The temporary license is valid for 45 days.
When your license expires and grace periods
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Texas does not have a grace period — your license is no longer valid on the date it expires. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you're waiting for your renewal to arrive.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. The office will require you to pass a vision test and may require you to retake the written test or driving test, depending on how long it's been expired.
If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may be able to renew without retesting. Bring documentation of where you were during the expiration period — a passport, military orders, or travel records — to your DPS office appointment.
Renewing online step by step
Go to the DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll be directed to the online renewal system. Have your current license in front of you — you'll need your license number and the date of birth printed on it.
Enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully. If your address, name, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the online renewal — you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.
If everything is correct, you'll pay the $25 renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or e-check. The system will generate a confirmation number and send you a receipt by email. Your new license will ship within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email that's valid for 45 days while you wait for the plastic card.
Renewing by mail step by step
read the DL-44 process form from the DPS website or pick one up at a DPS office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, address, and signature. Make a copy for your records.
Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $25 (made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety") to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not send cash. Include a return address on the envelope.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. You can track the status of your renewal on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process.
Scheduling an appointment at a DPS office
Visit the DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS driver's license office nearest you. Most offices in Texas cities have online appointment scheduling. Select your preferred date and time, and you'll receive a confirmation with your appointment number.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any documents related to name changes. If you don't have an appointment, most offices accept walk-ins during posted business hours, but wait times vary — offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities.
The in-person renewal process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the $27 fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must renew your Texas license through Texas DPS, and you must have a current Texas address on file. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state instead. You can surrender your Texas license to the DPS office or keep it as an ID, but you cannot legally drive on it in another state.
What if I've lost my license and need to renew?
Report your lost license to DPS through their website or at a DPS office. You can renew at the same time. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You'll pay the standard renewal fee plus a replacement fee for the lost license — the total is typically $32 to $35 depending on your license type.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo during an in-person renewal.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?
Your new plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email when ready after you pay, and it's valid for 45 days while you wait for the card. You can legally drive on the temporary license.
What if my renewal is delayed or I haven't received my license?
Check the status of your renewal on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth. If your renewal shows as processed but you haven't received your license after 10 business days, contact the DPS customer service line. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement.