Documents and information you'll need before you go
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires specific documents — not just any ID or utility bill will work.
Your current driver's license is your starting point. If it's expired, you can still use it as your proof of identity for renewal. Bring the physical card itself, not a photo or copy.
For proof of identity, your current Texas license counts. If you don't have it or it's been lost, you'll need one of these instead: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a state ID card, or a certified birth certificate. A photo from social media or a school ID won't work.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Your address on your current license is assumed current unless you've moved.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency dated within 90 days to any DPS office.
- You can renew online at dps.texas.gov if your license is not expired, you have no address change, and you have no medical conditions to report.
- In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a DPS office, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license, paid at the office or online.
- If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.
Online renewal if you're may be able to access
Texas allows online renewal through dps.texas.gov if you meet three conditions: your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have no new medical conditions to report. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $61 for a four-year renewal or $97 for an eight-year renewal.
You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). You'll also answer questions about your health and vision to confirm nothing has changed. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license within 7 to 10 business days.
If you've moved, changed your name, or have a new medical condition, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person instead.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and you can renew the same day. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You'll fill out form DL-43 (the driver's license process) at the office — you don't need to print it ahead of time.
The office will take a new photo and run a vision test. The vision test is basic: you'll read a line of letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail, you'll be asked to correct and try again, or you may be required to see an eye doctor before your license is issued.
The fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you must renew in person
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office. The same applies if you've had a name change, address change, or medical condition change since your last renewal.
If you've lost your license or it's been stolen, you'll need to explore for a replacement at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity and residency as you would for renewal. The replacement fee is $20 if your license is still valid, or you can renew and replace at the same time for the standard renewal fee.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS to check your driving record before you go to the office.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
Texas has DPS offices in most counties. Find the one nearest you at dps.texas.gov/driver-license-id/locations. The website lists office hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are available. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others take appointments, online reservations, or both.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. Early morning (right when the office opens) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter lines than Friday or the day before a holiday.
Some offices let you reserve a time slot online before you go. If your office offers this, use it — it can cut your wait from an hour to 15 minutes. If appointments are full, you can call the office to ask when the next batch opens, or check back online the next day.
What happens after you renew
Your new license is mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed online or in person, this is the address on your current license unless you changed it at the office.
You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Once it arrives, your old license is no longer valid. Destroy it or return it to DPS — you don't need to do anything official, but keeping an expired license can cause confusion if you're asked for ID.
If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact DPS. Bring your receipt from the office or your confirmation email from online renewal. DPS can check the status and reissue if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state now?
No. You must have a current Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Texas resident, you can renew online if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You need a document dated within 90 days showing your current address. If you don't have one, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead with your name, address, and current date. Some DPS offices will accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you, but call ahead to confirm your office accepts this.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
It depends on your office. Check dps.texas.gov/driver-license-id/locations to see whether your nearest office takes walk-ins, appointments, or both. If appointments are required and none are available, the website will tell you when the next batch opens.
How much does renewal cost?
A four-year license costs $61. An eight-year license costs $97. You pay at the DPS office (cash, check, or card) or online if you renew that way. There are no additional fees for standard renewal.
What if my vision test fails?
If you fail the vision test at the DPS office, you can ask to retake it. If you fail again, some offices will issue your license with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses. Other offices may require you to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before your license is issued. Ask the office staff what their policy is if you're concerned about your vision.