Where to renew your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDOT) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update information like your address or photo.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements—your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have certain medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
Mail renewal works if your license expired no more than two years ago and you do not need to change your photo or address. By-mail renewal takes longer—typically two to three weeks—because your documents travel to a processing center and back. In-person renewal at a TxDOT office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the TxDOT website is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit; you send documents to TxDOT and they mail your new license back to you.
- In-person renewal at a TxDOT office is necessary if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name or address.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you renew it for, but online renewal typically costs less than in-person renewal.
Online renewal through the TxDOT website
To renew online, go to the TxDOT website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing information.
During the online process, you confirm or update your address, phone number, and email. You cannot change your photo online—if you want a new photo, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if you have medical conditions, vision restrictions, or other notations that require an in-person evaluation by a TxDOT officer.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, TxDOT mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: sending documents by post
To renew by mail, you need to print the renewal process from the TxDOT website or request one by phone. The process is form DL-44. You will also need to include a copy of your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
Mail your completed process and documents to the TxDOT address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—TxDOT does not accept credit cards by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send in case you need to follow up.
Processing takes two to three weeks after TxDOT receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you do not receive it within four weeks of mailing, contact TxDOT to check the status of your renewal.
In-person renewal at a TxDOT office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you have medical conditions that require an officer's assessment. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are changing your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
Find your nearest TxDOT office on the website and check their hours before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can make an appointment online or by phone to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted at most locations.
At the office, a TxDOT officer will verify your identity, take your photo, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the renewal fee at the counter by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
Documents you need for any renewal method
Regardless of how you renew, TxDOT requires proof of three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. Your current Texas driver's license serves as proof of identity. For Social Security, you can use your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For address, use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing online, you do not physically submit these documents—TxDOT verifies your information against state records. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you must provide copies or originals. For mail renewal, send photocopies. For in-person renewal, bring the originals; TxDOT will copy them at the office.
If you are changing your name, you must also provide a certified copy of the document that authorized the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you renew your license for and your age. You can renew for four years or eight years. The four-year renewal costs less but requires you to renew again sooner. The eight-year renewal costs more upfront but lasts longer. Exact fees vary, so check the TxDOT website for current pricing before you renew.
Online renewal typically costs less than in-person renewal because TxDOT charges a processing fee for office visits. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal. If you are 85 years old or older, you must renew every two years and cannot renew online or by mail—you must renew in person.
Your new license will be valid for the number of years you chose, starting from the date you renew. If you renew online or by mail, the expiration date is set when you submit your process, not when you receive the license in the mail.
What to do if your license has been expired for a long time
If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a TxDOT office. You will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, just as you would for a first-time license.
Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal: proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address. You will also need to provide your Social Security card or equivalent proof. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. The driving test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads.
If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you may be able to skip the written test but will still need to pass the driving test. Contact TxDOT or ask at the office when you arrive to confirm what tests you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a current Texas address to renew a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. You can surrender your Texas license by mail or in person at a TxDOT office.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals typically take one to two weeks for delivery after TxDOT processes your process. Mail renewal takes longer overall—two to three weeks for processing plus one to two weeks for delivery. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact TxDOT to check the status.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a TxDOT office?
Appointments are not required but are recommended to reduce wait time. You can make an appointment online through the TxDOT website or by calling your local office. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but you may wait longer during busy times.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, TxDOT may suspend your license if you do not pay court-ordered fines or child support. Check your status on the TxDOT website before you renew to see if any holds are on your record.
What happens if I renew online but then need to change my address before my new license arrives?
Contact TxDOT as soon as possible with your new address. If your new license has not been mailed yet, TxDOT may be able to update the mailing address. If it has already been mailed, you can request a replacement license with your new address, though this may involve a fee.