How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License or ID Card

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license or ID card in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license or ID is not expired by more than two years, you have no address changes, and you have no medical conditions to report.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current license or ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you are renewing for the first time or your current license shows incorrect citizenship information.

For an online renewal through the Texas DPS website, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address or medical changes.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number, and you can usually walk in without an appointment.
Renewal fees vary by card type and validity period: a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license, and ID cards cost less than driver's licenses.
Your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or same-day for in-person renewal if you pay the expedited fee.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Renewal fees and card validity periods

Texas charges different fees depending on whether you are renewing a driver's license or an ID card, and how long you want the card to be valid. A standard five-year driver's license costs $25 online or $33 in person. An eight-year driver's license costs $48 online or $56 in person. ID cards cost $16 for five years or $32 for eight years.

The difference between five-year and eight-year validity is purely your choice — both cards work the same way. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you renew less often. If you are over 85 years old, your license is valid for four years and costs less. If you are 60 to 84 years old, you can choose between four-year and eight-year options.

In-person renewal costs more than online renewal because you are paying for the staff time and the when ready card production. If you need your card the same day, you can pay an additional $15 expedited fee at a DPS office, and staff will print it on-site while you wait — this usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

When you must renew in person instead of online

You cannot use online renewal if your license or ID has been expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew online if you have changed your address since your last renewal, if you need to update your name, if you have a medical condition to report, or if your current license shows incorrect citizenship information.

If your license expired more than two years ago, Texas treats the renewal as a new process. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening at the DPS office. You do not need to retake the driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless you are upgrading to a commercial driver's license. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal — your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents showing name changes.

If you are renewing an ID card (not a driver's license) and you have a disability, you can request a disability placard or designation on your card during renewal. This must be done in person at a DPS office. Bring documentation of your disability from a licensed physician or other may have access to medical professional.

DPS office locations and wait times

Texas has more than 130 DPS offices statewide. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need an appointment for most offices, but some high-traffic locations now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio typically have longer waits — sometimes 30 minutes to an hour during lunch hours and late afternoon. Rural offices and offices in smaller cities usually have shorter waits. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than visiting on Friday afternoon.

Some DPS offices are closed on certain holidays. Check the Texas DPS website for holiday closures before you visit, or call the office directly at the number listed on the website.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license is expired but not suspended, you can renew it normally through either online or in-person renewal. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas, so renew as soon as possible after expiration.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The reason for the suspension determines what you need to bring. If the suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you will need proof of payment or a court order lifting the suspension. If the suspension is for a medical reason, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition has been resolved. If the suspension is for a DUI or other criminal offense, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before the suspension can be lifted.

Contact the DPS office or call the Texas DPS customer service line to find out the specific reason for your suspension and what documents you need before visiting in person.

Renewing after a name change or address change

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The document must be certified by the issuing agency, not just a photocopy.

If you have changed your address, you can update it during renewal. For online renewal, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person if your address has changed. For in-person renewal, bring your new proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days showing your new address). If you moved out of state and are moving back to Texas, bring proof of your new Texas address.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), address changes require an in-person visit and may require a new written test depending on your endorsements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. Online renewal only works if your license expired within the last two years. If it has been expired longer, you must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written test and vision screening. This is treated as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal.

How long does it take to get my new card after I renew online?

Your new card ships within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can use your old card or a receipt from the renewal transaction as proof of a valid license until the new card arrives. If you need the card faster, you must renew in person and pay the $15 expedited fee for same-day printing.

What if I moved and my proof of residency is not in my name yet?

Proof of residency must show your current name and address. If you just moved and the utility bill or lease is still in a previous name, bring a second document — a bank statement, insurance bill, or government letter addressed to you at your new address. At least one document must be dated within 90 days of your renewal visit.

Do I have to take the written test again if my license has been expired for three years?

Yes. If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas requires you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening. You do not need to retake the driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked. Bring your Social Security number and proof of residency, and allow extra time at the DPS office for the test.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

Yes, you can renew your license even with an outstanding ticket. However, if you have unpaid fines related to that ticket, your license may be suspended. Check your suspension status on the Texas DPS website or call the office before you visit. If your license is suspended for unpaid fines, bring proof of payment or a court order lifting the suspension.

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.