How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.

If you renew online or by mail, you will not get a new photo—your current license photo stays on file. You can only use these methods if your license has not been suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal. If any of those conditions explore, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved, your proof of residency must show your new address.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online and mail renewals only if your license is valid, your name and address have not changed, and you have no medical conditions to report.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and your Social Security number.
A standard five-year license costs $25; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $27 and requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
Processing times vary: online renewals take 7 to 10 business days, mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person renewals are issued the same day.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.

Online renewal costs $25 for a standard five-year license. You will pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction. After you submit your renewal, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though this can vary depending on mail delivery times in your area.

If the online system cannot verify your information or flags an issue with your record, you will be directed to renew in person or by mail instead. This sometimes happens if your address in the DPS system does not match your current residence or if there is a hold on your license.

Mail renewal by sending documents to DPS

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $25 to the DPS address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal package to the address shown on the DPS website for your region. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your package, though delays can occur during high-volume periods. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed your package. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received your renewal. You can check the status of a mail renewal on the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though some offices accept appointments and some do not—check the DPS office locator on their website to see what your local office offers.

Bring proof of residency dated within the last 90 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you have moved recently and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent utility bill in your name plus a lease or deed showing your current address.

At the office, a DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay $25 for a standard license at the time of renewal. Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card—not all offices accept all payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

REAL ID renewal and what it costs

A standard Texas driver's license costs $25 for a five-year renewal. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $27 and requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the top right corner and are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025.

To renew as a REAL ID license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, Social Security number, and one of the following: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the country where you were born.

If you renew online or by mail, you will receive a standard license, not a REAL ID license. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting a DPS office in person and providing the required citizenship or residency document.

Timing: when to renew and how long it takes

Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date, so you do not have to wait until your birthday arrives. Many people renew 60 to 90 days before expiration to avoid the rush and may support they have their new license before it is needed.

If you renew online, expect your new license to arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you receive your license the same day. Choose the method based on how soon you need your new license and whether you can visit an office in person.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any of these methods. An expired license is still valid for renewal purposes, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renew as soon as possible if your license has passed the expiration date.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. A DPS employee will check your driving record and explain the reason for the suspension or revocation. Depending on the reason, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance, or complete a defensive driving course before you can renew.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and usually results from a DUI conviction or multiple serious violations. Contact the DPS before you visit an office to find out what you need to bring and what fees explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved to another state?

No. You must renew your Texas license in person at a Texas DPS office or by mail to a Texas address. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for their renewal process.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a DPS office in person with your proof of residency and Social Security number. A DPS employee will look up your record and issue a replacement license. The cost is the same as a renewal.

Do I need a new photo when I renew by mail or online?

No. Mail and online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewals include a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

A standard five-year license renewal costs $25. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $27. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee for certain payment methods, so confirm when you visit or call.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

If your name has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, Social Security number, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewals do not allow name changes.

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.