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, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.

If you renew online or by mail, you will need your current Texas driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card). If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring original documents — DPS can verify most information electronically.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $25 if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo; it takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes 15 to 45 minutes and is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have changed your address.
DPS offices do not require an appointment in most locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day; checking the DPS website for your local office can show current wait times.
Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal: fastest if your license is current

Online renewal through the DPS website (texas.gov/dps) is the quickest option if your license has not expired and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes: you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $25 renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and submit. DPS will mail your renewed license within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit needed

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. You will need to mail DPS a completed Form DL-44 (available on the DPS website), a copy of your current license, and a check or money order for $25 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail your packet to the DPS address listed on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet, plus mail time in both directions. This route is useful only if you are not in a hurry and your circumstances have not changed. If your license expires before your renewed one arrives, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you have changed your address, or you have a CDL. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary. Check the DPS office locator on texas.gov/dps to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go.

The renewal process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will pay $25 for a standard renewal or $40 if you need a new photo. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, ask the DPS officer for a temporary paper license (valid for 45 days) at the time of renewal.

Cost and payment methods

A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you need a new photo (because your license is expired, you request one, or DPS requires one), the cost is $40. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check or money order if you are renewing by mail. DPS does not accept cash at most offices, so bring a card or check.

The renewal fee covers a license valid for six years. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is valid for two years and costs $25. Military members on active duty stationed outside Texas may be able to renew for a longer period; check with your local DPS office for details.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can renew it at any DPS office without taking a new written test or driving test. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass the written test and vision test again, and you may need to take the driving test. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is more than two years expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (a receipt or confirmation email), but this does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days) along with your current license and Social Security number.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other information beyond your address, you will also need to renew in person and bring supporting documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). Contact your local DPS office before you go to confirm what documents they need for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change the expiration date of your new license — it will still expire six years from the date you renew. There is no advantage to renewing early unless you are about to travel and want a fresh license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After DPS approves your renewal (whether online, by mail, or in person), your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow an additional 3 to 7 days. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the DPS office (valid 45 days) or use your old license until the new one arrives.

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

Most DPS offices do not require an appointment for license renewal. However, some offices in high-traffic areas may offer appointment slots. Check the DPS office locator on texas.gov/dps for your location — it will show whether appointments are available and current wait times without an appointment.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID) and proof of residency. DPS will issue a replacement license on the spot, and you will pay the renewal fee ($25 or $40 if you need a new photo).

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If you are moving out of Texas permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state — Texas will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in Texas. Contact your new state's DMV for their renewal process.

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.