How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

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

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at dps.texas.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your license is valid for six years in Texas. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dps.texas.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a six-year license if you don't need to change your address or other information.
You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a new photo, your license has been lost or stolen, or you want to change your name or gender marker.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions; expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test and vision screening.
Texas offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your address, name, or photo. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, then choose "Renew Online." You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $25 for a six-year license.

After you complete the online form and pay, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your new license faster, you cannot expedite an online renewal—you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, your address has changed since you got your current license, you need a new photo, or you want to update your name or gender marker. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office to renew if your address has changed, you need a new photo, your license has expired, or you want to update your name or gender marker. You'll also renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

The fee for in-person renewal is $25 for a six-year license. You'll have your photo taken at the office. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may be asked to pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The DPS mails your new license to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Find your nearest DPS office and check wait times at dps.texas.gov. Many offices are busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online.

Mail renewal for unexpired licenses

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your address, name, photo, or gender marker. The DPS will send you a renewal process in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $25 made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety," and mail it to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, switch to online or in-person renewal instead.

Do not mail cash. If your process is incomplete or the DPS cannot process it, they will return it to you, which adds more time. Double-check that you've signed the form and included the correct fee before mailing.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Texas offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel—you'll need a Real ID license or another approved form of identification.

When you renew, you can choose a standard license or upgrade to Real ID at no extra cost. If you choose Real ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport). The DPS will mark your license with a gold star in the upper right corner to show it's Real ID-compliant.

You do not have to upgrade to Real ID when you renew, but if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you'll need one eventually. If you wait until after that date, you may face longer lines at DPS offices.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail (if you meet the conditions), or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. The DPS may require you to pass a written test and vision screening, depending on how long it's been expired.

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a replacement. Go to a DPS office with your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number and proof of residency. The fee for a replacement is $25. The DPS will issue a new license with a new number and mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you lost your license and also need to update your address or other information, handle both at the same time during your in-person visit. Bring all required documents so the DPS can process everything together.

Fees, payment methods, and what happens next

A six-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit, and checks. There are no additional fees for Real ID, name changes, or address updates during renewal.

After you renew, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving and using it as identification. If you need your new license before it arrives and you renewed in person, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license.

If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your license number and Social Security number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person and you're out of state, you can visit a DPS office when you return to Texas, or you can contact the DPS to ask about options for your specific situation.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), your Social Security card, and proof of residency. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra cost.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, the DPS takes a new photo automatically. If you renew online or by mail and want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.

What if I renewed my license but haven't received it yet?

Wait 10 business days from the date you renewed. If you still haven't received it, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your license number and Social Security number to check the status. Mail can be delayed, so confirm it hasn't arrived before calling.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once it's cleared, you can renew normally.

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.