How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Texas

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions since your last license was issued. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go to a DPS office in person.

The state charges a fee for renewal. The cost varies depending on the type of license you hold and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. You'll pay the fee when you submit your process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no address or name changes.
Mail renewal is available for the same conditions as online renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you've changed your name or address.
You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number for any renewal method.
Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one expired.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're within two years of your expiration date. 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 a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The system will verify your information against state records.

Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You can use your confirmation number to track your license status on the DPS website. Online renewal does not work if you've changed your name, address, or if you need to update medical information on your license.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must have expired less than two years ago, and you cannot have any name or address changes. You'll need to request a renewal process form from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789, or you can read the form from the DPS website (Form DL-44).

Fill out the form completely and include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Keep a copy of your form and confirmation details in case you need to follow up. If your mail is lost, you won't have proof you sent it, so consider using certified mail if you want a receipt.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you've changed your name or address, or if you need to update medical information. You'll also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency.

Visit your local DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring all required documents with you—if you're missing something, the office will tell you what you need and you'll have to return another day. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license that day while your permanent license is mailed to you within seven to ten business days.

Documents you'll need for any renewal method

All renewal methods require proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. For identity, you can use your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. If your current license is expired, bring a second form of ID such as a birth certificate or passport.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card counts as proof of residency only if it shows your current address. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number—you can do this verbally at an office or by entering it online or on a mail form.

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

If your license expired more than two years ago, Texas treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring all the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form.

You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The office will take a new photo for your license. Processing works the same way as in-person renewal—you'll get a temporary paper license and your permanent license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved to a new address in Texas, you must update it during renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed—you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your other required documents. The office will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct address.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. The DPS office will verify the document and update your name in the system before issuing your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but how you renew depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant, including proof of identity and residency.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. You can use the temporary license as proof of a valid license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I need to change my address but don't have a recent utility bill or lease?

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and address. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, you can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government mail. If you have none of these, contact your DPS office before you go—they may accept other documents depending on your situation.

Do I have to renew in person if I want a different photo on my license?

Yes. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to replace it before you can renew. Go to a DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a replacement license. Once you have it, you can renew using any method that fits your situation. If your replacement license is close to expiration, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it.

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.