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 three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The online option works if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and your address on file is current. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person. Mail renewal is available only if you are 65 or older or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes, costs $33 for a five-year license, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, or if you have had a name change since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
Mail renewal is available only to people 65 and older or those with a medical condition documented by a physician, and takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Your Texas license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to one year before it expires.

Online renewal: fastest and cheapest option

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The fee is $33 for a five-year license. You will answer questions about your address, driving record, and any medical conditions, then review and submit your process.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new physical license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, update it before you start the renewal, because the online system uses whatever address is currently in the DPS database.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office if you cannot renew online because your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years; you have had a name change; or you need to update your address or medical information. Bring your current Texas driver's license, one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $33 for a five-year license. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day; many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Mail renewal for people 65 and older or with medical conditions

If you are 65 or older, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $33 to the address listed on the form. Your new license arrives in 4 to 6 weeks.

People under 65 can also renew by mail if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office. You will need a letter from a physician stating the condition and why you cannot travel to a DPS office. Include that letter with your DL-44 form, current license, and payment. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal: proof of address, proof of Social Security number, and any identification you have.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Texas DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a court case. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any of the three methods.

Timing and when to renew

Your Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

Plan to renew at least two weeks before your license expires if you are renewing online or in person, because your new license takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If you are renewing by mail, start the process at least six weeks before your expiration date. If your license expires while you are waiting for your new one to arrive, you can show your confirmation email or receipt as proof of renewal if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state. If you have moved but still have a Texas address (such as a family member's home), you can use that address for renewal.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

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

Most DPS offices do not require appointments for license renewal, but some locations offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices.

What happens if I renew online but my information changes before my new license arrives?

Contact the Texas DPS before your new license arrives if your address or other information changes. You may need to visit an office in person to update your record, or you can wait and update it at your next renewal. If your address changes, mail your new license to the correct address by contacting DPS.

Is there a grace period if my license expires while I am waiting for my new one?

Texas does not have an official grace period, but law enforcement generally accepts a renewal confirmation email or receipt as proof that you have renewed. Keep your confirmation number and email receipt with you while you wait for your new license to arrive.

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.