Documents and fees required for a Texas license renewal

To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days — it must show your current Texas address.

The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DPS office. If you renew by mail or online, payment methods vary slightly, so check the DPS website for current options.

You do not need to bring your current license to renew, but having it with you speeds up the process. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to DPS before renewing.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID as proof of identity, plus a utility bill or bank statement dated within 90 days showing your Texas address.
  • The renewal fee is $61 for four years or $97 for eight years, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online if you meet age and residency requirements.
  • Renewal by mail takes two to three weeks; online renewal is when ready but only works if you have a valid Texas license and have not changed your address.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and fee. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number. You will complete a DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) on site — DPS staff can help you fill it out. The office will take your photo and run a background check, and you will receive your new license the same day or within a few days by mail, depending on the office location.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. DPS offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go. No appointment is required, but some offices now offer online scheduling to reduce your time in the office.

Renewing by mail

If your license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the DL-43 form, include your fee ($61 or $97), and mail everything to the address on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. You also cannot use mail renewal if you have changed your address, name, or other information on your license.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Texas allows online renewal at the DPS website if you meet three conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have changed your address since your last renewal, and your license must not have expired more than two years ago. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the fee by debit or credit card. Your new license is issued when ready as a digital credential on your phone through the MobileID app, and a physical card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. However, you cannot use it if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information. If your circumstances have changed, you must renew in person or by mail.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will need to retake the written test and the vision test, and you may need to provide additional documents such as proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

Bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus any extra proof DPS requests. The in-person process takes longer because of the testing requirement, so plan for an hour or more at the office.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this online — you must renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of residency showing your new address. For mail renewal, include a copy of your proof of residency with your process.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents. Name changes require in-person renewal at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. This means renewing early actually shortens the life of your new license, so most people wait until closer to the expiration date.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not have it memorized?

You must provide your Social Security number to renew. If you do not have it memorized, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. If you have lost your Social Security card, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement before you go to DPS.

Do I need a new photo if I renew in person?

Yes. DPS takes a new photo every time you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?

Some DPS offices issue your license the same day you explore. Others mail it to you within a few days. Ask the DPS staff when you submit your process — they can tell you whether your office issues licenses on site or by mail. You can drive with your old license until your new one arrives.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact DPS to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a traffic violation. Once your license is restored, you can renew normally.