Texas driver's licenses renew every 8 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the front. You can renew starting 60 days before that date. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three renewal paths: online through their website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local DPS office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your address has changed, and whether you need a new photo.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access—you can complete it in minutes from home and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal is necessary if you've had a name change, address change, or if you want to update your photo or change your license class.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Texas license online if you have no address changes, no name changes, and your current license is not suspended or revoked.
- Online renewal costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery; mail renewal costs $16 but takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you've changed your name, moved to a new address, or want a new photo on your license.
- You must renew before your birthday; driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic citation.
Online renewal: fastest option if your information hasn't changed
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your current license is valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), your name and address haven't changed since your last renewal, and you have a valid email address. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License Online," and follow the prompts. You'll confirm your personal information, review the vision and medical questions, and pay the $25 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You'll receive a confirmation email with a transaction number; keep this for your records. Your current license remains valid until your birthday, so there's no gap in your driving privileges.
Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required
Mail renewal is an option if you meet the same conditions as online renewal—no address change, no name change, and your license is currently valid. The cost is $16, which is cheaper than online renewal. You'll need to print and complete form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website, include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail both to the DPS address listed on the form along with your payment.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process, plus mailing time both ways. This route makes sense only if you have plenty of time before your birthday. Include a check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
In-person renewal at a DPS office: required for name or address changes
You must renew in person if your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), if you've moved to a new address, or if you want a new photo. You'll also need to renew in person if your current license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. The cost is $25.
Visit your local DPS office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your name change if applicable (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Texas DPS website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a traffic citation, which carries a fine. An expired license also means you cannot legally drive, rent a car, or use it as identification for age-restricted purchases. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go to a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
If your birthday is coming up and you haven't started the renewal process, online renewal is your fastest option. You can renew up to 60 days before your birthday, so plan ahead. If you've already missed your birthday, go to a DPS office as soon as possible to renew in person.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. You'll need your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number. Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both. The renewal cost is $25.
CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because of the testing requirements. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the DPS office. If your CDL is expired, you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle, and your employer may not allow you to work until it's renewed.
Replacing a lost or stolen license during renewal
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and report the loss or theft. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number and proof of residency. The DPS will issue a replacement license with a new number. The cost is $25, the same as a standard renewal.
Your new license will be ready the same day if you request it in person, or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you request mail delivery. Ask the DPS office which option works best for your situation. If your license was stolen, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to protect yourself from identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license before the 60-day window?
No. Texas law allows renewal starting 60 days before your birthday. If you try to renew earlier, the system will reject your process. If your license expires soon and you're outside the 60-day window, wait until you're within it or contact your local DPS office for guidance.
What if I moved to Texas from another state?
If you're a new Texas resident with a valid out-of-state license, you can drive legally on that license until it expires. When it's time to renew, you must explore for a Texas license in person at a DPS office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security card. You'll take a written test and vision test.
How long does in-person renewal take at a DPS office?
Wait times vary by office and time of day. Some offices have waits of 15 minutes; others may have waits of an hour or more. The Texas DPS website shows current wait times for each office. Going early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue first. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a DPS office.
What if I want to change my photo but nothing else has changed?
You must renew in person at a DPS office to get a new photo. Online and mail renewal do not allow photo updates. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. The cost is $25, the same as a standard renewal.