How to Get and Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through DPS

What the Texas Department of Public Safety handles for your driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the state agency that issues, renews, and manages all Texas driver's licenses. If you need a new license, want to renew an expiring one, or need to update information on your current license, you'll work directly with DPS through their driver's license division. DPS operates physical driver's license offices across Texas and also handles online and mail renewals for certain situations.

DPS is separate from vehicle registration — registration is handled by your county tax assessor-collector's office. But both are required to legally drive in Texas, and both have their own renewal schedules and fees.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and DPS sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration to the address on file.
You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you're renewing within 2 years of expiration.
In-person visits to a DPS driver's license office are required for new licenses, address changes, name changes, and certain other updates.
DPS charges different fees depending on whether you're renewing, getting a new license, or upgrading to a Real ID — Real ID costs more but is required for domestic air travel starting May 2025.
Processing times vary: online renewals take 7 to 10 business days, mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks, and in-person visits are usually completed the same day.

When you need to visit a DPS driver's license office in person

You must go to a DPS office if you're getting your first Texas license, if your current license is suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name or address. You also need an in-person visit if your license has medical restrictions, if you're upgrading to a Real ID, or if your license was lost or stolen.

DPS offices are located in most Texas counties. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept appointments through the DPS website to reduce wait times. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see whether appointments are available in your area and what the current wait time is.

Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're changing your name, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're a new resident, bring proof that you've lived in Texas for at least 30 days.

Renewing your license online or by mail

DPS allows online renewal if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you're renewing within 2 years of your expiration date. Go to the DPS website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you don't meet the requirements for online renewal but still want to avoid a trip to the office, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process from DPS, fill it out, and mail it back with a check or money order. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed — that requires an in-person visit.

DPS sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires to the address on file. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew online or by mail using your license number. Do not wait until your license expires to renew — an expired license cannot be renewed online and will require an in-person visit.

Real ID versus standard driver's license

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID. A Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. A standard Texas license will no longer be accepted for air travel after that date.

Real ID costs more than a standard renewal — the fee varies depending on how long the license is valid for, but expect to pay roughly $10 to $15 more. You must explore for Real ID in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or immigration document).

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail just like a standard license, as long as you meet the other renewal requirements. You only need to visit an office in person if you're upgrading from a standard license to Real ID.

Fees and processing times

DPS charges different fees depending on what you're doing. A standard license renewal costs less than a new license. Real ID costs more than a standard license. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have their own fee structure. The exact amount depends on how long your license will be valid — Texas offers 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year licenses, and longer licenses cost more upfront.

Check the DPS website for current fees before you renew, as they can change. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DPS office.

Processing times depend on how you renew. Online renewals take 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person visits at a DPS office are usually completed the same day, though you may wait several hours depending on how busy the office is.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Suspension usually happens because of unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DWI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

Before you visit a DPS office, contact the office that suspended or revoked your license to find out what you need to do to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or provide proof that you've resolved the underlying issue. DPS will not issue a new or renewed license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Changing your address or name on your license

If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your license within 30 days. You can change your address online through the DPS website if you're not changing anything else on your license — just log in, enter your new address, and pay a small fee. The updated license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you're changing your name, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license and the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll pay a fee for the new license, and it will be issued the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Texas license expires?

Your license expires on your birthday. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. DPS sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration to the address on file, so check your mail around that time. You can also check your expiration date on the DPS website by entering your license number.

Can I drive with an expired license while I'm waiting for my renewal to arrive?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed online or by mail and your new license hasn't arrived yet, you should have renewed earlier. If you're in this situation, visit a DPS office in person to get a temporary license while you wait for your permanent one.

What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?

You'll need to get a new Texas license, not renew your old one. Visit a DPS office with proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), your Social Security number, and your old Texas license if you still have it. You'll pay the fee for a new license, and it will be issued the same day.

Do I need a Real ID if I don't fly?

No. A standard Texas driver's license is still valid for driving and for most other purposes. Real ID is only required for boarding domestic flights. If you drive but don't fly, a standard license is sufficient.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets stolen?

Visit a DPS office in person and report it. Bring your ID or proof of identity, and DPS will issue a replacement license the same day. You'll pay a replacement fee. If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

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.