How to renew your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — you'll need a valid Texas license that hasn't been suspended or revoked, and you must be between 18 and 84 years old. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if your license is still valid and you haven't had certain violations. In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo or address.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is valid, you're between 18 and 84, and you haven't had recent violations or address changes.
- You'll need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but requires printing and mailing a form to the DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need a new photo or to update your address.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee based on how long you want your license to be valid — four years or eight years.
After you pay with a credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years — made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail your packet to the DPS address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive it. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. Keep your current license until the new one arrives, since you can legally drive on an expired license during the renewal process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address. Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Bring payment in cash, check, or card.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The DPS office will take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day — visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.
When your license is expired or about to expire
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but not online. An expired license is still valid for identification purposes in most situations, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license — you need either a valid license or a temporary paper license from a DPS office.
If you're stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this problem and ensures you have a valid license to drive.
Costs and payment methods
Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Online and mail renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, or card. There are no additional fees for standard renewal unless you're adding a Real ID designation or other endorsements.
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher and the process is different — you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a written test depending on your endorsements and violations.
What to do if you've had violations or suspensions
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring documentation showing that you've resolved the issue — this might include proof of payment for unpaid traffic fines, completion of a defensive driving course, or a letter from the court showing the suspension has been lifted.
The DPS office will verify that your suspension or revocation has been cleared before processing your renewal. If the issue hasn't been resolved, they'll tell you what steps you need to take first. Some suspensions are automatic once certain conditions are met, but you still need to renew your license in person to get a valid one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I've moved out of state?
No, you cannot renew a Texas license online or by mail if you no longer live in Texas. If you've moved, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Texas but have moved, you can renew online as long as your other information hasn't changed, but you'll need to update your address in person or by mail before your next renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after renewing online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license in Texas?
No, a standard driver's license renewal does not require Real ID. However, starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. If you want to add Real ID to your renewal, you must do so in person at a DPS office and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of residency.
What happens if I renew my license but my address is wrong?
If you renew online or by mail and realize your address is incorrect, you can update it in person at a DPS office or by mail using the DL-44 form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file at the time of renewal, so update it as soon as possible if it's wrong.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
You can renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic ticket, but some violations may trigger a suspension that prevents renewal. If your license has been suspended due to an unpaid ticket, you must pay the fine or set up a payment plan before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out your options.