How to renew your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) in three ways: online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method you use depends on how much time you have, whether your license has expired, and what type of license you hold. Online renewal is fastest if you are may be able to access, but not everyone can use it—some people must renew in person.
Your license is may be able to access for online renewal if it has not been expired for more than two years, you have no medical conditions on file that require periodic review, and you have not had certain violations or suspensions. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the TXDPS website takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and a check or money order, and takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you have medical conditions on file, or you need a new photo.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or debit card depending on your method.
- You must renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Texas.
Online renewal through the TXDPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the TXDPS website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your may be able to access and ask you to review your current information.
You will need to pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than two years old, a medical condition on file, or a recent traffic violation. In those cases, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal by sending documents to TXDPS
To renew by mail, read or request the DL-44 form from the TXDPS website or call your local DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your information. Attach a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and mail everything along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time TXDPS receives your documents. There is no way to track your process by mail, so if you do not receive your new license within six weeks, contact your local DPS office to check the status. Keep your current license until your new one arrives, since you are legally allowed to drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed by TXDPS.
Mail renewal is useful if you cannot visit a DPS office and are not may be able to access for online renewal. However, it is slower than online renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, you have medical conditions that require periodic review, or you need a new photo. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Some DPS offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online through the TXDPS website.
The appointment system shows available times at offices near you. Book as early as possible, especially if your license is expiring soon, because appointment slots fill up quickly in busy areas. When you arrive, bring all required documents and be prepared to have a new photo taken. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your appointment, make sure you have your current license with you.
What documents and fees you need
The documents you need depend on your renewal method. For online renewal, you need only your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number—no physical documents are required. For mail renewal, send a copy of your current license, the completed DL-44 form, and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency.
The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license. You choose the length when you renew. Payment methods vary by method: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards, mail renewal requires a check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office.
If you have changed your name, address, or other information since your last license was issued, you may need to provide additional documents such as a marriage certificate or proof of address. The TXDPS website lists all required documents for your specific situation.
When you cannot renew and must explore for a new license
In some cases, you cannot renew and must instead explore for a new license. This happens if your license was suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations, or if you have certain medical conditions that disqualify you from driving. You will need to resolve these issues before TXDPS will issue a new license.
If your license was suspended, you must contact the court or agency that suspended it to find out what you need to do to restore it. This might involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call your local DPS office or check the TXDPS website.
What to do if your license expires before you can renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If your license expires and your new one has not arrived, you have a grace period only if you have an active online or mail renewal in progress. In that case, you can show proof of your renewal (such as a confirmation number or receipt) to a police officer if you are stopped.
If your renewal is delayed or you missed the expiration date, contact your local DPS office when ready. They can tell you whether your renewal is still being processed or whether you need to start over. Do not drive without a valid license or proof of an active renewal, as you can be cited and fined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail—you must renew in person at a DPS office. If it has been expired for less than two years, you can still use online or mail renewal. Check the TXDPS website or call your local office if you are unsure how long your license has been expired.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact your local DPS office to check the status.
What if I need to drive before my in-person appointment?
You can continue to drive on your current license until your appointment. At the appointment, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
No. If you have unpaid traffic tickets or other outstanding court obligations, TXDPS will not renew your license. You must pay the tickets or resolve the court case first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.