How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What form you need and where to get it

Texas does not require you to fill out a paper form to renew your driver's license. Instead, you renew through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update information like your address or name.

If you renew online or by mail, you will not handle a physical form at all — the DPS processes your renewal through their system. If you renew in person, a DPS employee will guide you through the process and collect the documents you bring. No separate form is required for any of these routes.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for most people whose licenses are still valid or expired less than two years, and you do not need to print or mail any form.
Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago, and you send your current license and payment directly to DPS without a form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to renew early.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the specific documents depend on which renewal method you choose.
Processing times vary: online renewal takes one to two weeks, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.

Online renewal through the DPS website

The fastest way to renew is through the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. You can renew online if your license is still valid or expired less than two years. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Go to the DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online." Answer the questions about your current license and personal information. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though these amounts can change). Your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

Online renewal is not available if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if you want to add or remove a restriction or endorsement. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail. Send your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a letter stating your name and driver's license number to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not send cash.

Include a copy of one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Mail everything to the DPS address for renewals, which you can find at dps.texas.gov under "Renew by Mail." Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your materials.

Mail renewal is simpler than in-person renewal if your information has not changed, but it takes longer than online renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, the mail option is not available and you must go to a DPS office in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or if you choose to renew before your license expires. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and payment.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document showing your name and current address and dated within the last 90 days. If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Visit a DPS office near you. You can find office locations and hours at dps.texas.gov. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some do, so check ahead. Bring all your documents and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). The DPS employee will take your photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number.

The DPS will process your renewal the same way as a current or recently expired license. You will pay the same renewal fee. Your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. If you do not have your expired license, bring a government-issued photo ID instead, such as a passport or military ID.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard driver's license is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. These amounts are set by Texas law and do not vary by county or DPS office. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card or credit card (online) or by check or money order (mail). If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DPS offices may accept additional payment methods, so ask when you arrive. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DPS will contact you and you will need to resubmit payment. There are no additional fees for renewing online, by mail, or in person — the cost is the same regardless of method.

How long your new license takes to arrive

Online renewal usually takes one to two weeks from the date you complete your process. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials. In-person renewal is completed the same day, but your physical license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your current license remains valid until it expires, even if you have already renewed. If your current license is already expired, ask the DPS employee at the office for a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for your new card to arrive in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I do not have my current license with me?

If you are renewing in person, you can bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID instead. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will need your current license number, so contact the DPS if you have lost your license and need to replace it rather than renew it.

What if my address changed since my license was issued?

You can update your address during online renewal if your license is still valid or expired less than two years. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DPS will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DPS will take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.

What if I want to renew early before my license expires?

You can renew in person up to one year before your license expires. You cannot renew early online or by mail. Visit a DPS office with your current license, proof of address, and payment. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year from the date you renew.

Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?

The DPS may suspend your license if you owe certain court-ordered debts. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the fine or order to find out whether your license is suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the debt before you can renew. You can check your license status at dps.texas.gov.

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.