Documents and information you'll need before you go
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 specific list of documents for each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work.
For proof of identity, bring your current Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. You do not need both categories to overlap; they can be two separate documents.
You will also need to know your Social Security number. If you do not have one or cannot remember it, you can bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it. Bring your current license to the DPS office — even if it is expired, it speeds up the process.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity (such as your current license, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
- Texas allows you to renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are under 85 years old.
- In-person renewals at a DPS office take about 30 minutes to an hour, and you can check wait times online before you go.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
If you meet certain conditions, you can renew your Texas driver's license by mail without visiting a DPS office. You are may be able to access to renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections noted on your license, and you are under 85 years old.
To renew by mail, request an process from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency to the address on the form. Do not send original documents — copies are fine for mail renewals.
Mail renewals take longer than in-person renewals. Your new license typically arrives 4 to 6 weeks after DPS receives your process. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and you can renew the same day. Bring your original proof of identity and proof of residency, your current license, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. The DPS website shows current wait times for most offices, updated every 15 minutes. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend. Bring all your documents the first time — if you forget something, you will have to come back.
The renewal process takes about 30 minutes to an hour from the time you check in. You will answer questions about your health and driving record, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your temporary license prints when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A five-year Texas driver's license costs $61 to renew. An eight-year license costs $123. You choose the length when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DPS does not accept card payments by mail. Do not send cash in the mail.
What happens if your license is expired or about to expire
You can renew your Texas driver's license up to two years before it expires or up to two years after it expires. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a driving test.
If your license is currently expired, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. At a DPS office, you receive a temporary license that is valid for 45 days. If you renew by mail, keep a copy of your mailed process as proof.
Special situations: medical restrictions, suspensions, and name changes
If your license has medical restrictions or vision corrections noted on it, you cannot renew by mail — you must renew in person. The DPS needs to verify that your medical condition has not changed. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus any medical documentation your license requires.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this along with your other proof of identity documents.
After your renewal is complete
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed in person, or 4 to 6 weeks if you renewed by mail. The DPS mails licenses to the address on your process, so make sure the address is correct before you finish.
If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Have your temporary license or proof of renewal ready. The DPS can check the status of your license and remail it if needed.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one. You do not need to return it to the DPS. Your new license is valid when ready, even though you received a temporary one at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. Some other states offer online renewal, but Texas requires either a visit to an office or a mailed process.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use it as proof of identity for renewal. Bring a passport, military ID, or birth certificate instead. You can still renew normally as long as your license is not expired or more than two years past expiration.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew in person, the DPS takes a new photo. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used again. You cannot request a new photo in a mail renewal.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date you renew in person. Your permanent license should arrive before then. If it does not, contact the DPS to check the status.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. Your new license is mailed directly to you at the address on your process. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up at a DPS office.