Documents and information you'll need to bring
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited list of documents for each category, and bringing the wrong ones will delay your renewal.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current Texas driver's license, a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name and current address. The residency document must be dated within the last 90 days.
You'll also need your Social Security number and your Texas driver's license number. If you've 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.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Texas driver's license, one form of identity proof, and one form of residency proof dated within 90 days.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license is not expired by more than two years.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- Processing times vary: online renewals take about two weeks, mail renewals take four to six weeks, and in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
- You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your address or name.
Renewing online through the DPS website
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Texas DPS website. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your address or name. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You'll answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your address or name. Send your current license, a completed DL-44 form (the renewal process), proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form.
You can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Include a copy of your proof of residency with your mailed packet. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.
Mail renewal does not work if you need to update your photo, change your address, add or remove a restriction, or correct information on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You can renew in person at any DPS driver's license office in Texas. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. You'll have your photo taken and your fingerprints recorded. Most in-person renewals are completed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you have a suspension or revocation, or if you want to update your photo. It's also the only option if you need to add or remove restrictions or correct information on your license.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and make an appointment through the DPS website, which can reduce your time in the office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on the license term you choose. A four-year license costs $61, and an eight-year license costs $97. You pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.
If you renew online, you must pay by debit or credit card. There is no additional processing fee for any renewal method.
What happens after you renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license arrives in about two weeks to six weeks depending on the method. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one — you cannot use both. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
When you cannot renew by mail or online
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you need to add or remove restrictions. You also must renew in person if you want to update your photo before your license expires.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, contact DPS to ask about a mobile unit or other options. Some counties have mobile DPS units that visit specific locations on set schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You'll have your photo taken and fingerprints recorded.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You cannot change your address online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days. Your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but you can make one through the DPS website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all DPS offices during business hours. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
How long can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one?
You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
What if my new license arrives with wrong information?
Contact DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a DPS office in person. Bring your new license and proof of the correct information. DPS will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by DPS.