How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is always available. The online route works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that require DPS review, and your license has not been expired for more than two years.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's 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 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office.

For an online renewal through the DPS website, you will not need to visit an office or bring documents in person. You will upload images of your current license and proof of residency, answer health and safety questions, and pay the renewal fee. The state will mail your new license to the address on file.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online if your license is current and not suspended, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
Standard renewal takes about two weeks by mail; expedited options are available at some DPS offices for an extra fee.
Your renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid—Texas offers one-year, four-year, and six-year options.
You must renew before your license expires; driving on an expired license is illegal even if your renewal is in progress.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

The cost of renewal depends on the validity period you choose. A one-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal, which costs less than a six-year renewal. Texas does not publish a single renewal fee because the amount changes and varies slightly by transaction type. You can find the current fee on the DPS website before you begin your renewal, or ask at the DPS office when you arrive.

Most people choose the longest validity period available to them because the per-year cost is lower. A six-year license means you will not need to renew again for six years, though you may still need to update your address or other information if your circumstances change. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday regardless of the validity period you choose.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though some offices accept appointments and may have shorter wait times. Check the DPS office locator on the state website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours.

When you arrive, you will check in, have your vision tested, and answer questions about your health and driving record. The DPS officer will take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. This means your permanent license will be mailed within a few business days instead of the standard two weeks. Not all offices offer this option, so call ahead or ask when you arrive.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will create or log into your DPS account, then upload a clear photo of the front and back of your current driver's license and a photo of your proof of residency. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your current address.

You will then answer questions about your health, any medical conditions that might affect your driving, and your driving record. Answer honestly—false information can result in your renewal being denied or your license being suspended. Review all your information before you submit, because you cannot change it once the process goes through.

After you submit, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes about two weeks. You can check the status of your renewal on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a DPS office in person and explore for a new license, not a renewal. This means you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test in addition to the vision test and photo. You will also need to bring all the same documents as a standard renewal.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. The driving test is conducted by a DPS officer who will watch you operate your vehicle and evaluate your ability to control it, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. Both tests must be passed before your new license is issued. This process takes longer than a standard renewal—usually one to two hours at the office, plus the wait for your license to arrive by mail.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for an upcoming trip. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—a six-year renewal will still be valid for six years from the date it is issued, regardless of when you applied.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your online renewal confirmation, but these are not the same as a valid license. Carry your current license with you at all times while driving.

Address changes and other updates

If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this online through the DPS website if you only need to change your address—no renewal fee is required. You will upload proof of your new residency and submit the change. Your current license remains valid; you do not receive a new one just for an address change.

If you need to change your name, correct an error on your license, or update medical information, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal, plus any documents that support the change (a marriage certificate for a name change, for example). Some of these changes may require a new photo and a small fee, while others are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or in person. You must first contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out how to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license first, then renew it. Go to a DPS office with your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The officer will issue you a replacement license on the spot. If your replacement license is close to expiring, you can renew it when ready after, or wait and renew it later through the normal process.

How long does it take to get my new license by mail?

Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date you renew. Expedited service, where available, takes a few business days for an additional fee. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait. Track your renewal status on the DPS website using your driver's license number.

Do I need to renew my license if I move out of Texas?

No. Your Texas license remains valid even if you move to another state. However, if you plan to stay in your new state permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. Each state has its own licensing requirements and fees. You do not need to formally cancel your Texas license.

What if my vision test fails at the DPS office?

If you fail the vision test, the DPS officer will not issue your license. You will need to see an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the DPS office to retake the test. Some offices allow you to reschedule the vision test for the same day if you can get glasses or contacts quickly. Bring proof from your eye doctor that your vision now meets the standard.

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.