How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, who don't need to update their address, and whose licenses expire more than 60 days away.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is valid and not expiring within 60 days.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and a vision test.
Texas licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without losing your remaining validity.
Processing times vary: online renewal is when ready, while in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days by mail.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office in person.

Online renewal through the DPS website

The Texas DPS online renewal system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, answer a few questions about whether your information has changed, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The entire process takes about five minutes.

Your new license is mailed to the address on file, and you'll receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. The online fee is lower than the in-person fee — currently $25 for an eight-year renewal — but this varies if you're renewing early or need a different license class.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you're under 18, or if your license expires within 60 days. You also cannot renew online if you've had a name change since your last renewal.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, run a vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter — currently $33 for an eight-year renewal — and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. If you've moved recently and your current license shows an old address, bring a document that shows both your name and your new address.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you're changing your address, if you're under 18, or if you've had a name change. It's also the only option if your license has already expired by more than one year.

How far in advance you can renew

Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new license's expiration date is calculated from your current license's expiration date, not from the date you renew. This means you don't lose any validity by renewing early.

For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew it in January 2025, your new license will expire on March 15, 2033 — eight years from the original expiration date, not from January. This makes early renewal a practical option if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you can still renew it using the same process as a regular renewal. If it expired more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online renewal is not available. You'll still need your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you've already submitted a renewal. Don't drive until your new license arrives. If you're stopped by police, you can show them proof that you've renewed — a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from an in-person renewal — but this does not make expired driving legal.

Finding a DPS office and checking wait times

The DPS website has a location finder that shows all Texas driver's license offices, their hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices typically have shorter waits than those in major cities. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times, though many offices do not take appointments for renewals.

If you live near a border, some DPS offices in smaller towns have significantly shorter waits than urban locations. Visiting early in the week (Monday through Wednesday) and arriving before 10 a.m. typically means shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and medical certification (Form MCSA-5876) if your CDL is Class A or B. The renewal fee is higher than for a standard license and varies depending on your CDL class.

CDL renewals also require a written test and a road test in some cases, depending on whether you're renewing the same class or upgrading. Check with your local DPS office about what tests you'll need before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online or in person while your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation — usually by paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements set by the court or DPS — before you can renew.

What if I've changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

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

Both online and in-person renewals result in your new license being mailed to you, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Texas does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online through the DPS website or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal in terms of convenience.

What if my address has changed?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if you've moved. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. The office will update your address during the renewal process.

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.