What you need to know before you renew

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you're renewing for the first time after turning 79.

Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires. Texas sends renewal notices by mail about 45 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew as soon as the 60-day window opens. If you let your license expire, you can still renew it, but the process changes — expired licenses more than two years old require an in-person visit and a new photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is not expired, you have a valid address on file, and you haven't had certain violations or changes in the past five years.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process, so send it well before your expiration date.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment booked through the DPS website; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You will need your current license number, a valid form of identification, and proof of Texas residency for any renewal method.
  • The cost is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information. If everything is correct, you can pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file 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 or name, if you've had a conviction for certain traffic violations in the past five years, or if you're over 79 years old. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal: sending your process by post

To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling the DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6900. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want your new license mailed. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license — made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process, plus mail delivery time both ways. For this reason, mail renewal works best if you start at least three weeks before your license expires. If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail, but you'll need to include a copy of a valid form of identification and proof of Texas residency with your process.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

To renew in person, you must book an appointment through the Texas DPS website. Walk-in appointments are not accepted. Go to the DPS appointment system, select your county, choose a location, and pick an available time slot. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book as soon as your renewal window opens.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You'll have a new photo taken at the office. The fee is paid at the time of your visit. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll also need to provide documentation of your legal name if it has changed since your last license was issued.

The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal: book an appointment online, bring your documents, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee. The cost is the same as renewal. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the office.

Documents and fees you'll need

For any renewal method, you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For in-person or mail renewal, you'll also need proof of Texas residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your name and current address, dated within the past 90 days.

The renewal fee is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license. You can pay by credit or debit card for online renewal, by check or money order for mail renewal, or by cash, check, or card for in-person renewal. If you're renewing by mail and your check is lost, DPS will not process your process, so consider using a money order or paying online instead.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you renew online or by mail, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days, then mail delivery adds another 3 to 7 days depending on your location. If you don't receive your license within two weeks of submitting your process, contact the DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6900 to check the status.

Your old license remains valid until it expires, even after you've submitted your renewal process. You can use it to drive during the processing period. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it as a record — Texas does not require you to return expired licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas requires you to be a resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still have a Texas address on file but no longer live there, you must update your address before renewing.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You can renew online or by mail if your name change was due to marriage or court order and you have documentation. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order to an in-person appointment. If you're renewing by mail, include a copy with your process.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid after renewal?

A five-year license is valid for five years from the date of issue. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Drivers over 79 receive a five-year license. You can renew starting 60 days before expiration.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You'll need to explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. A replacement costs the same as renewal.

Can I change my address during renewal?

You can change your address during in-person renewal. For online or mail renewal, you cannot change your address — you must renew with your current address on file, then update your address separately through the DPS website or at an office visit afterward.