How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at txdps.texas.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Your may be able to access for each method depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes. A license that expired fewer than two years ago qualifies for online or mail renewal in most cases. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Drivers under 18 cannot renew online and must appear in person with a parent or guardian.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through txdps.texas.gov works for most drivers whose license expired within the last two years and takes 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is available for some drivers but takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to mail in your current license and a completed process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago or if you are under 18.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) for online renewal.
The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you can choose your term length when you renew.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

Online renewal is available if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you are 18 or older, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in. Go to txdps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, then choose "Renew." You will create or log into your Texas Online Services account and answer questions about your current license and personal information.

The system will ask for your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You will also confirm your current address. If the DPS system cannot verify your information, you will be directed to renew in person instead. Once approved, you pay the renewal fee ($25 for five years or $50 for eight years) with a debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current or most recent license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You cannot renew by mail if you are under 18, if your address has changed, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. To renew by mail, read and print the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website, or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789.

Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your new license arrives by mail after approval. Because mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, you will have no valid Texas ID during the renewal period.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are under 18, if your address has changed, or if you want a new photo. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to. Visit a DPS Driver License office with your current license (or expired license if it is still valid for ID purposes), proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and address. If you cannot provide a current address document, bring two documents that show your name and address, even if one is older. You will have your photo taken and can choose your license term (five or eight years) at the office. Your new license is issued the same day.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check current wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go.

What documents and information you need

For online renewal, you need your driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and a debit or credit card for payment. The DPS system will verify your identity using information already on file. You do not need to bring or mail any documents.

For mail renewal, you need a completed Form DL-43, your current license, and payment by check or money order. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your current address (dated within 90 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person and bring address proof.

Renewal fees and license term options

The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. When you renew, you choose which term you want. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Both fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary: online renewal accepts debit or credit card only, mail renewal requires check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee for services like expedited processing or replacement licenses. Check with your local office or the DPS website for any extra costs that may explore to your situation.

Timeline: how long each method takes

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from approval to delivery. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. In-person renewal is same-day, though you may wait at the office. If you need your license quickly, in-person renewal is the only may provide same-day option. If you can wait a week or two, online renewal is faster than mail and requires no office visit.

The DPS website does not provide a tracking number for online or mail renewals, so you cannot check the status of your process after you submit it. If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call 1-888-589-6789 to check on your renewal status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The DPS treats licenses expired more than two years as if they were never renewed, so you will go through the same process as a new applicant.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days. Online and mail renewal are not available if your address has changed. At the office, you will update your address in the system and receive your new license the same day.

Can I renew online if I want a new photo?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current or most recent license. To get a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will take a new photo and issue your license the same day.

How do I know if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?

Start the online renewal process at txdps.texas.gov. The system will verify your information and tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, it will explain why and direct you to renew by mail or in person instead.

What happens if I lose my license while waiting for my renewal to arrive?

If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived, you can still use your expired license as ID until your new one comes. If you need a replacement before your renewal arrives, you can visit a DPS office and request an expedited replacement, though this costs extra and requires an in-person visit.

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.