How to Renew Your Driver's License in Texas

Texas driver's license renewal works online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal

Texas allows most drivers to renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a office. If you are over 79, have a commercial license, or have not renewed in more than 10 years, you must renew in person. Mail renewal is available only if you received a notice from DPS telling you that you are may be able to access. The fastest route is online if you may have access to — it takes a few minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Your license is valid for six years if you are under 85, or five years if you are 85 or older. Texas does not send renewal reminders, so you need to track the expiration date on your current license. Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if you were not stopped for another reason.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website is available if you are between 18 and 79, your license has not been expired for more than two years, and you have no medical conditions that require in-person review.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes 30 to 45 minutes and is required if you are over 79, hold a commercial license, or have not renewed in more than 10 years.
Mail renewal is only available if DPS sent you a notice saying you are may be able to access; you cannot request it on your own.
Your new license arrives 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal, or you can get it the same day at a DPS office.
Texas does not send expiration reminders, so check your license now and mark the date on your calendar.

Online renewal: fastest option if you are under 80

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask whether your address, height, eye color, and other physical information are still correct. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must go to a DPS office instead.

The fee is $33 for a six-year license if you are under 85. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired, as long as you have proof of your online renewal (the confirmation email).

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are over 79, if you have a commercial license, or if you have medical conditions that require a doctor's statement. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit your local DPS office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your original documents or certified copies; DPS does not accept photocopies.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The fee is $33 for a six-year license. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays. You can check wait times for your local office on the DPS website before you go.

In-person renewal is required if you are over 79, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have not renewed in more than 10 years. It is also required if your physical description has changed significantly or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.

Mail renewal: only if DPS sent you a notice

You cannot request mail renewal on your own. DPS mails renewal notices to some drivers who meet specific criteria — usually those with clean driving records and no recent address changes. If you received a notice in the mail from DPS saying you are may be able to access for mail renewal, follow the instructions on that notice. You will mail your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order to the address listed.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed back to you. During this time, you can drive on your current license as long as it has not expired. If your license has already expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical conditions or other restrictions, you can renew online. You will need to check a box confirming that your license is expired, but the process is otherwise the same. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive during that time if you carry proof of your online renewal (your confirmation email).

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring all the documents listed in the in-person renewal section above. You cannot legally drive until you have a valid license, so arrange a ride or use another form of transportation to get to the office.

Changing your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you moved, changed your name, or need to update your height, eye color, or other information, you can make these changes during renewal. Online renewal allows you to update your address and verify that other information is correct. If you need to change anything else — such as your name, gender marker, or medical conditions — you must renew in person at a DPS office.

When you renew in person, tell the DPS employee what information needs to change. Bring documents that support the change: a utility bill or lease for a new address, a marriage certificate or court order for a name change, or a doctor's statement for medical conditions. The office will update your record and issue your new license with the correct information.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any medical certification documents if your CDL requires them. The fee is $33 for a six-year license, the same as a regular license.

CDL renewal in person takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will not take a new driving test unless your CDL is expired for more than a year or you have certain medical conditions. If your CDL has been expired for more than a year, you will need to pass the written test and the driving test again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, if you renewed online or by mail and have proof of your renewal (your confirmation email or receipt). You can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you received your new license the same day and can drive when ready. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot drive until you have a valid license in hand.

What if I lost my license before renewal?

You need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Go to a DPS office with proof of identity and residency, and pay a $11 replacement fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through any method that applies to you. You do not need to wait for the expiration date.

How much does license renewal cost in Texas?

The standard fee is $33 for a six-year license if you are under 85, or $16.50 for a five-year license if you are 85 or older. Online and mail renewal cost the same as in-person renewal. You pay by credit card or debit card online, or by check or money order if you renew by mail or in person.

What if my address changed but I have not moved yet?

You can update your address during online renewal if you have proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If you have not received a utility bill or lease at the new address yet, you can renew with your current address and update it later at a DPS office or online through the DPS website without renewing your license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

DPS offices do not require appointments for license renewal, but you can check wait times on the DPS website before you go. Some offices are less busy at certain times of day. If you want to avoid a long wait, go on a weekday morning rather than Saturday afternoon.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.