How to Renew Your Texas ID Card or Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Texas

Texas ID and driver's license renewals happen through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on how close you are to expiration and whether your address or name has changed. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

The state charges a renewal fee—currently $25 for a five-year ID or $40 for a five-year driver's license, though these amounts can change. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency, and your current ID or license. If your address has changed, you will need a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license or ID is not expired and you have not changed your name or address in the past five years.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for most people, but requires you to send in your current ID and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your ID is expired by more than two years, your name has changed, or you need a new photo.
Texas allows you to renew up to one year before expiration, so you can start the process well in advance.
Your new ID or license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office unless you renew in person.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

The Texas DPS website lets you renew online if your current ID or driver's license is still valid and you meet a few conditions: your name has not changed, your address has not changed in the past five years, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Go to the Texas DPS website, find the online renewal section, and follow the steps to verify your identity and submit your renewal request. The fee is charged to your card when ready. Your new ID or license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks. This is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.

If you are denied online renewal, the website will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. Common reasons include an expired ID, a name change, or an address change within the past five years.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal works for most people and takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. You will need to request a renewal form from the Texas DPS, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current ID or driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of any address change if applicable.

To get the form, visit the Texas DPS website and read the appropriate renewal process (Form DL-44 for driver's license, Form DL-71 for ID card), or call your local DPS office and ask them to mail it to you. Include a copy of your proof of residency—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days works. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Keep a record of what you sent and when. Your new ID or license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If it does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your renewal.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your current ID or driver's license is expired by more than two years, your name has changed since your last ID was issued, you need a new photo, or you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. You will also need to renew in person if you are under 18 or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you wait time. Bring your current ID or license, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the past 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If your name has changed, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

At the office, a DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper ID or license valid for 45 days while your permanent one is mailed to you. Your new ID or license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A Real ID-compliant license or ID card meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Texas has been issuing Real ID licenses and IDs since 2017. If your current license or ID is not Real ID-compliant, you can request one during renewal.

To get a Real ID license or ID, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or W-2, and two documents proving your current address (such as a utility bill and a bank statement). The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Your new Real ID will have a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you do not have a Real ID and need one for air travel, you can renew early. You do not have to wait until your current ID expires.

Timeline and expiration rules

Texas allows you to renew your ID or driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means you can start the renewal process 12 months in advance if you want to. Your new ID or license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old one expired.

If your ID or license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the rules change. An ID or license expired by two years or less can be renewed by mail or online (if you meet the other conditions). An ID or license expired by more than two years must be renewed in person. An ID or license expired by more than five years cannot be renewed; you will have to explore for a new one instead.

Your temporary paper ID or license (issued in person) is valid for 45 days. If your permanent ID or license does not arrive within that time, contact the DPS when ready.

What to do if your name or address has changed

A name change requires in-person renewal. Bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will take a new photo and issue a new ID or license with your updated name.

An address change within the past five years disqualifies you from online renewal, but you can still renew by mail or in person. Include proof of your new address with your renewal packet (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you renew in person, bring the same proof of residency.

If your address has not changed in more than five years, you can renew online without providing new address documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas ID or driver's license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows renewal up to one year before expiration. Your new ID or license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old one expired. This means renewing early does not extend your total validity period.

How long does it take to get my renewed ID or license in the mail?

Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your renewal (by mail or online). If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper ID or license valid for 45 days while your permanent one is mailed. If your ID or license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

What if I moved and my address changed?

An address change within the past five years means you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail or in person. Include proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days—with your renewal packet or bring it to the DPS office.

Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically from Texas?

Yes, as of May 2025, a Real ID-compliant license or ID is required for domestic air travel. If your current Texas license or ID is not Real ID-compliant (it will not have a gold star), you can renew early and request a Real ID. You must renew in person and bring additional documents including a birth certificate or passport and proof of address.

What happens if my ID or license expired more than two years ago?

An ID or license expired by more than two years cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office. An ID or license expired by more than five years cannot be renewed at all; you will have to explore for a new one instead, which requires additional steps and documents.

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.