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

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew a Texas ID card or driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the DPS website if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than two years ago and you don't need to change your address or other information. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll need your current license or ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.

In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago and you don't need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time, so send your materials at least four weeks before your license expires.
Texas driver's licenses and ID cards are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Online renewal: fastest if you may have access to

Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your current license or ID card has not been expired for more than two years, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal details. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is paid by credit or debit card, and you'll receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If any of your information has changed—including your address—you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person or mail in a paper process. The same applies if your license expired more than two years ago or if you're renewing an ID card that's been expired longer than that.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current license or ID card, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency must be an original document (not a copy) dated within the last 90 days—a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government notice all work. You'll fill out an process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Bring your documents in person even if you're renewing early. DPS does not accept applications by email or through the mail for most renewals. If you cannot get to an office, mail renewal is your alternative, though it takes longer.

Mail renewal: slower but available

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license or ID card, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form—there are regional processing centers, so check the form to send it to the correct one.

Processing takes two to three weeks once DPS receives your materials, then another week or more for mailing. Send your process at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap. If your materials arrive incomplete or illegible, DPS will mail them back to you, which adds another two to three weeks to the timeline.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard eight-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. An ID card renewal also costs $25. These fees cover the card itself and processing. If you're renewing early (more than one year before expiration), you still pay the full renewal fee—there is no discount for early renewal. Payment methods depend on how you renew: online renewals take credit or debit card, in-person renewals take cash, check, or card, and mail renewals require check or money order.

If you need to change your address, name, or other information during renewal, the fee remains the same. You do not pay extra for these updates.

What happens if your license has expired more than two years ago

If your Texas driver's license or ID card expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license or ID card, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process and fee are the same as a regular renewal, but the in-person requirement is mandatory.

If your license expired so long ago that you no longer have it, bring a photo ID and proof of residency instead. DPS can look up your record by name and date of birth.

Changing your address during renewal

You can update your address when you renew, whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you renew online, you'll enter your new address in the form. If you renew in person, you'll provide your new address on the process form at the DPS office. If you renew by mail, write your new address on Form DL-43 before you send it in.

Your new license will show your updated address and arrive by mail at that address. Make sure the address you provide is correct and that you'll be there to receive the card, since DPS does not hold mail or redeliver to a different address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date. You pay the full renewal fee regardless of how early you renew.

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

Bring a photo ID (passport, military ID, or similar) and proof of residency to a DPS office. DPS can look up your record by name and date of birth and process your renewal in person. You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number.

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

Online and in-person renewals both result in a new card arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks for DPS to process, plus mailing time. Plan for at least four weeks total if you renew by mail.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use an appointment system. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are required or recommended. Even with an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents ready.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. The fee is the same, and your new card will show your updated name.

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.