Where to renew your Texas driver's license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals in Texas. You can renew in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. The DPS website at dps.texas.gov has a renewal portal where you can complete the process from home. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a local DPS office is necessary if you don't meet online or mail requirements, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face.
Which method works for you depends on when your license expires, whether you need a new photo, and your current address status. Not every renewal can happen online or by mail — some require you to appear in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dps.texas.gov is available for most standard renewals and takes about one week if you meet the requirements.
- You must renew before your license expires, and Texas does not allow grace periods for expired licenses.
- If you need a new photo, change your address, or have certain medical conditions, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
- DPS offices accept appointments and walk-ins, but appointment wait times are often shorter during off-peak hours and days.
Online renewal requirements and process
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid Texas address on file, and you do not need a new photo. You also cannot have certain medical restrictions or a commercial driver's license (CDL). The DPS website will tell you when ready whether your license is may be able to access for online renewal.
To renew online, go to dps.texas.gov, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your current information, review the renewal terms, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $25. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within about one week.
Keep your old license until the new one arrives. You can use either one as proof of identity during the transition. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your old one is expired, you may want to renew in person instead so you can get a temporary paper license on the spot.
Mail renewal: documents and timeline
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal — no new photo needed, no medical restrictions, no CDL. You'll need to submit your current license, a completed DL-43 form (the standard renewal form), and payment.
read the DL-43 form from dps.texas.gov or request it by mail. Include your current license, a check or money order for $25, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to account for postal delays.
Processing takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. During this time, your old license remains valid as long as it has not expired. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you'll need a temporary paper license — which you can only get by renewing in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Renew in person if you need a new photo, want to change your address, have medical restrictions, hold a CDL, or prefer to get your license when ready. You'll also need to appear in person if your license has been expired for more than two years.
Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. The standard renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license. If you need a new photo, bring a clear, recent photo or let the office take one for you at no extra cost. If you're changing your address, bring a document showing your new address.
Find your nearest DPS office on dps.texas.gov and check their hours. Many offices now take appointments through the website, which usually have shorter wait times than walk-ins. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day or on a weekday afternoon, as mornings and Fridays tend to be busier. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
What happens if your license has expired
Texas does not allow a grace period for expired licenses. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have a renewal process pending. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal are not available.
If your license expired recently and you need to drive before you can renew, go to a DPS office in person. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. This temporary license is valid for 45 days.
Do not drive on an expired license while waiting for your renewal to process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a traffic citation, even if your renewal is in progress.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25 in Texas. Some renewals cost more — for example, if you're upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license or renewing a CDL. The DPS website will show the exact fee for your renewal type before you pay.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DPS offices may also accept other payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about what they take.
If you're renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, DPS will contact you to request payment. Failure to pay can delay your renewal or result in additional fees.
REAL ID and standard license renewals
When you renew, you can choose between a standard Texas driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for domestic air travel as of May 2025.
If you want a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your Social Security number. A standard renewal requires only your current license and proof of residency. REAL ID renewal costs more than a standard renewal — check dps.texas.gov for the current fee.
If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll get a standard license. You can upgrade to REAL ID at your next renewal or by visiting a DPS office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must have a valid Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you've moved out of state, you need to surrender your Texas license and obtain a license from your new state. Contact your new state's driver's license agency for their requirements.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If it doesn't arrive within 45 days, contact DPS to request a replacement.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?
DPS may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears. Contact DPS or the relevant court to resolve the issue before attempting to renew. You can check your license status on dps.texas.gov.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license. You must visit a DPS office in person to report it lost and explore for a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee.