Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements — no appointment needed, no office visit, and you'll have your renewed license in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you haven't changed your address or physical appearance significantly.

For in-person renewal at a DPS office, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to send your current license, a completed process for Texas Driver License or ID (Form DL-43), and a check or money order. The form is available on the DPS website.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago and you haven't had a name change or address change since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires Form DL-43, your current license, and payment by check or money order.
  • Renewal fees in Texas are $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, with no additional charge for online renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago, you haven't changed your name, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is mailed.

Your renewed license will arrive by mail in approximately 10 to 14 business days. If you don't meet the online requirements — for example, if your license expired more than two years ago or you've moved — you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website. Bring the documents in person; you cannot submit them online for an in-person appointment. Processing usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your renewed license arrives in about two weeks. In-person renewal is required if you've had a name change, significant address change, or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Mail renewal: slowest but no office visit required

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or ID) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — there's a specific DPS mail processing center in Austin.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. You won't receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your renewed license arrives. This option works best if you're renewing early and don't need your license when ready.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 to renew. An eight-year license costs $50. You choose which term you want when you renew — there's no automatic assignment. The eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer period, so the annual cost is lower.

Your renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal has no additional processing fee. If you're renewing by mail, add the cost of postage and a money order or check.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you've lost your expired license, bring a government-issued photo ID instead.

In-person renewal for an expired license follows the same process as a standard renewal — you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days and your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Address or name changes during renewal

If you've moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The renewal process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee doesn't change. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. 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. Bring your expired license or another government-issued photo ID if you've lost it.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks, so you'll have the permanent license before the temporary one expires. If you renew online, you get a digital temporary license when ready that's valid while your physical card is mailed.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Contact the DPS with your new address so they can update your mailing address. You can do this online through the DPS website or by calling the DPS customer service line. Your renewed license will be sent to your updated address.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required for in-person renewal at a DPS office. You can walk in during business hours. Check the DPS website for your nearest office location and current wait times before you go.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush when your license is about to expire. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.