How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through DPS

Texas DPS handles driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DPS website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date, whether your license is still valid, and what changes need to happen to your record. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes less time and no travel.

Your renewal method also depends on your license type. A standard Class D license (the one most people drive with) has different renewal rules than a commercial license or one with restrictions. If your address, name, or other information has changed since your last license, some routes may not be available to you.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other personal information.
Mail renewal requires you to send a completed DL-44 form, your current license, and payment to the DPS address listed on the form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has expired more than two years ago, if you need to update personal information, or if you want to change your photo.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and DPS sends renewal notices about 90 days before expiration.
Renewal fees vary based on license type and validity period, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is available at the official Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is mailed to you.

Online renewal does not work if you need to change your address, name, or other personal details on your license. It also does not work if you want a new photo or if your license expired more than two years ago. If any of those explore to you, use mail renewal or visit a DPS office instead.

After you complete online renewal, DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal using the DL-44 form

Mail renewal requires you to complete the DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. You will mail the form along with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and any documents required for address or name changes.

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. If your address or name has changed, include a document that proves the new information—such as a utility bill for address changes or a marriage certificate for name changes. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents.

Send your completed form and documents to the address shown on the DL-44 form. Processing takes about three to four weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. DPS will mail your new license to the address you listed on the form.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you prefer to renew in person. You will need your current license (or an expired license if yours is more than two years old), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring documents that support any changes to your personal information.

DPS offices are located throughout Texas. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Some offices require you to schedule an appointment online before you arrive; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's page to see which system it uses.

In-person renewal is faster than mail renewal—you usually receive your new license the same day or within a few days. You will pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts.

What documents you need for renewal

For online or mail renewal of a standard license that has not expired more than two years ago, you need only your current license and payment. No additional documents are required if your personal information has not changed.

If you are renewing in person or if your address or name has changed, bring documents that prove your current information. Acceptable documents for address changes include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For name changes, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS website has a full list of acceptable documents for each type of change.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and proof of your current address.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Renewal fees for a standard Class D driver's license depend on how long you want the new license to be valid. Texas offers four-year and eight-year licenses. An eight-year renewal costs more than a four-year renewal. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the DPS website for current pricing before you renew.

For online renewal, you pay by credit or debit card. For mail renewal, you pay by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, check, and card, though some may have limits on which methods they take. Call your local DPS office to confirm what payment methods it accepts.

If you renew by mail and your check or money order is lost, DPS will contact you. Do not send cash through the mail.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

DPS sends renewal notices about 90 days before your license expires. The notice includes a DL-44 form if you want to renew by mail. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

After you renew, your timeline depends on your method. Online renewal produces a temporary digital license you can use when ready, with your physical card arriving by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. In-person renewal is fastest—you usually leave with your new license the same day or receive it within a few days by mail.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives if you renewed online or by mail. If you renewed in person, the office will take your old license and issue the new one when ready or mail it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Processing takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal.

What happens if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address through online renewal if you have not changed any other information and your license is still valid. If you need to change your address along with other details, or if your license has expired, renew in person or by mail and include a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill dated within the last 60 days.

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

DPS mails your new license after you complete online renewal. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. You receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

It depends on the office. Some DPS locations require you to schedule an appointment online before you arrive, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see which system it uses and what hours it is open.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to your local DPS office.

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.