Texas DPS lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three routes to renew your driver's license: online at the DPS website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have changed your name or address, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can renew online in minutes without visiting an office.
Your current license must not be expired by more than two years to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and take the written test again. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you will need to renew in person and bring documents proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
- You can renew by mail only if your license expired within the past two years, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you changed your name, or you want a new photo.
- Texas DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and wait times vary by location; you can check your local office's current wait time on the DPS website before you go.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information. You then choose your license type (four-year or eight-year) and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
Online renewal works only if your license expired within the past two years, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need a new photo. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the DPS website or request it by calling the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years) to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. You can only use this method if your license expired within the past two years, you have not changed your name, and you do not want a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee at the office. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license the same day, some DPS offices offer a temporary paper license for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. You can check the current wait time at your local office on the DPS website before you go, which can help you decide whether to go when ready or return at a slower time.
What happens if your license is expired by more than two years
If your driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will need to take the written knowledge test again, just as you would for a new license. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, your Social Security card or document, and proof of your legal name if it has changed.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the DPS website. Most people pass the test on their first attempt if they study the handbook. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day at most offices, though some offices may require you to return another day.
Fees and what to bring to each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Fee (4-Year License) | Fee (8-Year License) | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16 | $32 | License number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth |
| By Mail | $16 | $32 | DL-44 form, current license, check or money order |
| In Person | $16 | $32 | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security card, name change document (if applicable) |
The renewal fee does not change based on how long your license has been valid or whether you are renewing early. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which can be useful if you know you will be traveling or need a fresh license. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though you should call ahead to confirm what your specific office accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved to another state?
If you have moved out of Texas and no longer live there, you cannot renew a Texas license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Texas but changed your address, you can update your address online through the DPS website before renewing, or you can update it when you renew in person.
What if I lost my current driver's license and cannot find it to renew?
You can still renew without your physical license. When you renew online, you only need your license number, which you may remember or can look up if you have a copy of an old insurance card or registration. If you cannot remember your license number, you must renew in person and bring your Social Security card and proof of residency so DPS can look up your information.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Texas DPS mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after processing your renewal. Mail delivery time varies by location, so you may receive it a few days later. If you need your license urgently, renew in person at a DPS office and ask whether they can issue a temporary paper license the same day.
Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses or contacts but my old photo does not show that?
Online renewal uses your existing photo, so if your vision has changed significantly, you should renew in person to get a new photo that reflects your current appearance. This is especially important if you wear glasses or contacts now but did not when your last photo was taken, as officers may notice the difference during traffic stops.
What if my name changed after my last license was issued?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring the document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, the name change document, proof of residency, and your Social Security card.