Documents and fees required for a Texas license renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need 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 recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address — it must be dated within the last 90 days.
The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DPS office. If you renew by mail or online, payment methods vary slightly — mail requires a check or money order, while online renewal accepts credit or debit cards.
You do not need to bring your current license to renew, but having it makes the process faster. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to DPS before renewing.
Key Takeaways
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to any DPS office.
- The renewal fee is $25 for four years or $50 for eight years, payable by cash, check, or card at an office or by check or card online.
- You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online at the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements for remote renewal.
- If your vision or medical condition has changed significantly, you may need to take a new vision test or provide a medical certification.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Walk-in renewals at a DPS office are the fastest route if you have all your documents ready. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number. You will take a new photo and, in most cases, a vision test. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. If your vision has changed significantly since your last renewal, you may be asked to visit an eye doctor and bring a vision certification form before you can complete the renewal.
Renewing by mail or online
Texas allows mail and online renewals only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes a few minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
For mail renewal, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process.
Vision tests and medical certifications
During an in-person renewal, you will take a vision screening at the DPS office. If you fail the screening or your vision has changed significantly, DPS will ask you to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring back a vision certification form (DL-91). This form costs money at the eye doctor's office — the amount varies by provider.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, such as diabetes or a seizure disorder, DPS may require a medical certification form (DL-54) signed by your doctor. Your doctor will need to confirm that your condition is controlled and does not prevent you from driving safely. If you already have medical restrictions on your license, DPS will tell you whether you need an updated certification.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — mail and online renewal are not available. You will still need the same documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show the receipt from your renewal process, but this does not give you legal permission to drive.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
If you renew in person, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card. Keep this paper license with you — it is your proof that you have renewed.
If you renew by mail, expect two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process. If you renew online, expect 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can drive with your current license as long as it has not expired. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. If you have outstanding traffic fines or court costs, DPS will not renew your license. You must pay the fines or set up a payment plan with the court before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days. You cannot use mail or online renewal if your address is different from what is on your current license.
Do I need to take a written driving test to renew my license?
No. License renewal in Texas does not include a written test. You will take a vision screening and provide your documents, but you do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
What if I lost my Social Security number documentation?
You do not need to bring a Social Security card. You can provide your number verbally at the DPS office, and they will verify it in their system. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 before you go to renew.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must appear in person to renew your license in Texas. The only exception is if you are unable to appear due to a serious medical condition — in that case, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to discuss your options.