Documents and fees required for a Texas license renewal

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 passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Texas address — it must be dated within 90 days of your process.

The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license as of 2024, though fees can change. You do not need to bring your current license to renew, but having it makes the process faster. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a passport or birth certificate, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and know your Social Security number before you go to a DPS office.
  • You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if you meet age and vision requirements, or online through the DPS website for certain renewals.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the vision test.

Three ways to renew: in-person, by mail, or online

In-person renewal at a DPS office is the most common route. You bring your documents, pay the fee, have your photo taken, and usually leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website.

Mail renewal is available if you are between 18 and 84 years old, your license is not expired, and you have not had a vision correction change. You complete an process form (DL-44), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. This option saves a trip but requires you to know your vision status has not changed.

Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements — typically you must be under 79 and have no address changes. The online process takes about 10 minutes, you pay by credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. Not all renewal situations may have access to for online renewal, so the DPS website will tell you when ready whether yours does.

What happens if your license is expired or nearly expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will require you to retake the vision test and may ask you to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long the license has been expired.

If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew by mail or online from wherever you are, as long as you have a Texas address on file. You do not have to be physically in Texas to renew, though you will need to provide a current Texas address and residency proof.

Name changes, corrections, and special circumstances

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring legal documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name on the new license at no extra charge. If you notice an error on your current license (wrong birthdate, misspelled name), bring the license itself and the document that proves the correct information. Corrections are usually made during renewal without additional fees.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DPS office. CDL renewals require a medical certificate and may require retesting depending on your age and when your license expires. If you hold a CDL and your medical certificate is expiring soon, renew both at the same time to avoid losing your commercial driving privileges.

Timeline and what to expect at the DPS office

In-person renewal at a DPS office typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Arrive with all documents ready and your Social Security number memorized or written down. The staff will verify your identity, check your residency, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

If you renew by mail, expect processing to take two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Mail can add a few days on each end, so send your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires if you want to avoid a gap. If you renew online, the DPS processes your request within a few business days, and your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Vision requirements and retesting

If you renew in person, a DPS staff member will conduct a basic vision screening at the office. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, the DPS will not issue a license until you provide a vision correction certificate from an eye doctor.

If you renew by mail or online, you are certifying that your vision has not changed and that you can still see well enough to drive safely. If your vision has worsened significantly, you should renew in person so the DPS can test you. Lying about your vision on a mail or online renewal can result in a license suspension if you are involved in an accident and it is discovered that you could not see properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, the DPS requires a Social Security number to renew. If you do not have one, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to obtain one before you can renew your license. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number when you renew.

What if I moved to Texas from another state and my license is from a different state?

You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Texas. You must get a new Texas license instead. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to a DPS office. The process is similar to renewal but is technically a new license process.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations use an online appointment system. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. Even if walk-ins are accepted, making an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) when you renew. If you renew by mail or online, include a copy of your residency proof with your process. The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

No, you must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DPS office where you renewed. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file, so you do not need to pick that up. If you cannot pick up the temporary license, you can request that it be mailed to you, though this delays the process.