How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where and how to renew in Texas

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, or in person at a DPS driver license office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you have had any address changes or corrections since your last renewal.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The fee is paid by credit or debit card, and you will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but requires only a completed form and a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready if you need to use your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through dps.texas.gov is available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address since your last renewal.
Your Texas driver's license renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for a six-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail; online renewal is not an option.
Mail-in renewal requires a completed form DL-44, your current license, and payment by check or money order sent to the address listed on the DPS website.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a document showing your Social Security number.

When you can renew online

Online renewal is the simplest path, but it is not available to everyone. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information on the license itself.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online — you must go to a DPS office in person. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you will also need to visit an office or renew by mail. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you start the process at dps.texas.gov.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to make changes to your personal information. You will need to complete form DL-44, which you can read from dps.texas.gov or request by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address shown on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it for travel or identification. Keep a copy of your form and note the date you mailed it in case you need to follow up. If your mail does not arrive, you can contact DPS to check the status of your renewal using your license number.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need to update your address or personal information, or if you want your new license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you do not have your current license, bring a valid passport or other government-issued ID instead.

Visit any DPS driver license office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours at dps.texas.gov. Wait times vary; some offices are busier than others, and you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office, and you will receive your new license on the spot.

What documents you need

The documents you bring depend on which renewal method you choose. For online renewal, you need only your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — no documents to mail or bring in. For mail renewal, send your current license along with the completed form and payment.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license or another valid government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, bring proof of your new address even if you are renewing online — you will need to update it in the system.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $61, and a six-year license costs $97. You choose the term when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards.

If you are renewing by mail and your check is lost or not received, DPS will contact you. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing in person, bring exact change or be prepared to receive change; not all offices have large amounts of cash on hand. Online payment is processed when ready, and your renewal fee is non-refundable once the transaction is complete.

What happens after you renew

After you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days (online) or 2 to 3 weeks (mail). Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to return it to DPS.

If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can use it right away. Your old license is no longer valid once you sign and receive the new one. If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can check the status online at dps.texas.gov using your license number, or call 1-888-589-6789 to speak with a DPS representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the may be able to access requirements (license not expired, no address change, no personal information updates). If your license is expired or you need to make changes, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office during a visit to Texas, or contact DPS to discuss other options.

What if my license is expired?

You cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must renew by mail or in person at a DPS office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing; contact DPS to confirm what is required in your situation.

How do I know when my license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. DPS does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so check your license periodically. You can also log into your DPS account online to see your expiration date and renewal status.

Can I change my address when I renew?

Yes, but the method matters. If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the system during the renewal process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) to an in-person appointment.

What if I need my license before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail and need your license before it arrives, visit a DPS office in person and bring your old license. You can request a temporary paper license or expedited processing, though expedited renewal may have an additional fee. Call your local DPS office to ask about options.

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.