How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster—you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes—but it's only open to you if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions listed on your current license, and your license hasn't been lost or stolen.

If you renew in person, bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

In-person renewals at a DPS office typically take 30 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Online renewals are processed within a few business days, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is valid, not suspended, and has no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and a vision test.
Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks of approval, whether you renew online or in person.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

How long your renewed license lasts

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it's issued. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date, not from when your old one would have expired.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal period is five years instead of eight. Military members on active duty can renew for a longer period if they provide military orders showing their duty station outside Texas.

Renewing online: step-by-step

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current information.

Review your name, address, and other details. If anything is wrong, you'll need to renew in person instead, because online renewal cannot change your address or personal information. If everything is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Texas charges $33 for a standard eight-year renewal as of 2024, though this amount can change.

After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now use an online appointment system. You can schedule an appointment through the DPS website, which typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and be ready to provide your Social Security number. You'll take a vision test at the office—if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The fee is the same as online renewal: $33 for a standard eight-year license.

After you complete the renewal, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within one to two weeks.

Changing your address during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The proof must be dated within 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document with your name and current address.

You cannot change your address through online renewal. If you try to renew online and your address is wrong, the system will reject the renewal and direct you to a DPS office instead.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it through the same process—online or in person—without taking a written test or driving test. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have a renewal in progress.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires taking the written knowledge test and the driving test, and it takes longer than a standard renewal.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or suspensions

If your current license has medical conditions listed on it—such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses or hearing aids—you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DPS office, where an officer will review your medical restrictions and may require you to provide updated medical documentation.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online as long as your license meets the other requirements. If you're moving out of Texas permanently, you'll need to renew in person before you leave and update your address to your new state address, or you can renew in person at a DPS office before your license expires.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online. Go to a DPS office in person and bring your proof of residency. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The total cost is typically around $50, though this varies.

How do I check the status of my renewed license?

After you renew online or in person, you can track your license through the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number or license number. The tracking tool shows whether your license has been printed and mailed.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you're about to travel or move and want to avoid waiting until the last minute.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot change your name through online renewal. Renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need your current license and proof of residency.

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.