Where to renew and what you need to bring
You renew a Texas driver license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, not at a county tax assessor or vehicle registration location. Texas has about 130 DPS driver license offices statewide. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov — search for "driver license office locations."
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). 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. You do not need to bring your vehicle registration or proof of insurance for a driver license renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a DPS driver license office in person; you cannot renew by mail or online in Texas unless you meet specific conditions for remote renewal.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Standard renewals take about 20 to 30 minutes at the office, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew before your current license expires.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
When your license expires and how much time you have
Your Texas driver license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew it anytime within two years before that date expires. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew at a DPS office, but you may face a late fee and will be driving on an expired license until the new one arrives.
The safest approach is to renew within 60 days before your expiration date. This gives you time to visit an office, receive your temporary paper license, and have your permanent card arrive before the old one expires. If you are traveling out of state or out of the country, plan your renewal even earlier — bring your passport to the DPS office if you need the license before your new card arrives.
Fees and which license term to choose
A four-year Texas driver license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year option works out to about $8.25 per year, while the four-year option is about $8.25 per year as well — the cost per year is the same, so the choice depends on how often you want to renew.
Most people choose the eight-year license to avoid returning to a DPS office sooner than necessary. However, if your address, appearance, or name is likely to change in the next four years, the shorter term may be more convenient. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you renew. Texas accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
What happens at the DPS office and what you receive
When you arrive at a DPS driver license office, take a number and wait to be called. The clerk will verify your documents, take a new photo and signature, and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions that affect your driving. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Before you leave the office, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card — you can drive with it, show it to police, and use it for age verification. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to report it.
Remote renewal if you cannot visit an office
Texas allows remote renewal by mail or online only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you are not changing your name. Visit the DPS website and look for the online renewal option — it costs $33 for four years or $66 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes.
If you do not meet the online requirements, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. If you are unable to visit an office because of a disability or medical condition, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about accommodations or alternative arrangements.
Renewing after your license has already expired
If your license is already expired, you can still renew at a DPS office. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal. However, you are driving illegally until your new license arrives, and you may be cited by police. Additionally, some DPS offices charge a late fee for renewals that happen after expiration — the amount varies, so ask when you arrive.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, DPS may require you to take a written driving test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Check the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 before you visit to confirm what you will need.
Replacing a lost or damaged license while renewing
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the same time you renew. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number as you would for a renewal. If your license was stolen, you can also report it to DPS at the office, and they will note it in the system. The replacement fee is $11, in addition to the $33 or $66 renewal fee.
If you have lost your license and your expiration date is approaching, plan to visit the DPS office soon. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee, but you will leave with a temporary license valid for 45 days and a permanent replacement within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license online?
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and your name is the same. Visit the DPS website to check if you are may be able to access. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit a DPS office in person.
What if I moved to Texas from another state?
You must get a Texas driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. This is not a renewal — it is a new license. You will need to visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $33 for four years or $66 for eight years.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the DPS office. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary license has full legal validity.
What if my new license does not arrive within two weeks?
Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and provide your temporary license number or driver license number. They can track your license and tell you where it is in the mail. If it is lost, DPS can issue a replacement. Continue using your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Do I need to renew my vehicle registration at the same time?
No. Your driver license and vehicle registration are separate. You renew your driver license at a DPS office and your vehicle registration through your county tax assessor's office or online. They have different expiration dates and different renewal processes.