What you need to bring to renew your Texas license

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 limited list of documents for each category, and bringing the wrong documents will delay your renewal.

For proof of identity, bring your current Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If your current license is expired by more than two years, you may need additional documents — the DPS website lists all acceptable forms. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. You do not need both a utility bill and a lease; one document from the approved list is enough.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, one proof of residency document dated within 90 days, and be ready to provide your Social Security number.
  • You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition update since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewals at a DPS office take about 30 minutes, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 15 business days if you renew online.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.

Renewing online versus in person at a DPS office

Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, you have not moved to a different address, and you have not reported any new medical conditions to DPS. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.

If your license is expired, you have had a name or address change, or you need to update medical information, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website. In-person renewals typically take 30 minutes to an hour, though this varies by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday usually means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your Texas license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge exam covering Texas traffic laws. You will also need to provide all the same documents as a renewal, plus proof that you have completed a defensive driving course if you are under 25 years old.

Reapplication requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You can study for the written exam using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The vision test is administered at the DPS office and takes only a few minutes. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

Fees and how long your new license takes to arrive

A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you want an eight-year license instead, the cost is $40. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DPS office. Online renewals accept debit or credit card only.

After you complete your renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you renewed in person, expect your license within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed online, it will arrive within 15 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DPS to check the status.

Renewing by mail if you are out of state or unable to visit an office

Texas does not offer standard mail-in renewal for most drivers. However, if you are a Texas resident living outside the state temporarily, you may be able to renew by mail under certain conditions. You must have a valid, unexpired license and meet the same restrictions as online renewal — no name change, no address change, and no new medical conditions.

To renew by mail, contact the DPS directly at 1-888-589-6789 to request a mail renewal form. Not all situations may have access to, so confirm your may be able to access before requesting the form. If you are a permanent resident living outside Texas, you will need to renew in person during a visit to the state or through a Texas consulate or embassy if you are outside the United States.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can update your address online during renewal if your license is not expired and you have no other changes to make. If your license is expired or you have other updates, you must renew in person. Updating your address is free and does not require a new photo or written exam.

What to do if you lose your license before it arrives

If you submitted your renewal process and then lost your old license before the new one arrived, you can request a duplicate license at any DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A duplicate license costs $11 and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your renewal process will continue to process separately, and you will receive your renewed license on its own schedule.

If you lose your license after your renewal has already been mailed but before it arrives, contact the DPS to report it lost. They can cancel the original renewal and issue a replacement, though this may delay your new license by a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must reapply as a new driver, which includes passing a vision test and a written exam on Texas traffic laws. You will need to visit a DPS office in person to complete the reapplication process.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person at a DPS office, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, it will arrive within 15 business days. Your old license remains valid for driving during this time.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but the DPS website allows you to check wait times at your nearest office. You can also schedule an appointment online in some locations to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are always accepted, though you may wait longer during peak hours.

What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?

Only if your license is not expired and you have no other changes to make. If your license is expired or you have other updates, you must renew in person at a DPS office.