How to Renew Your Dallas Driver License

Where to renew your Dallas driver license

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, but the closest one to you is likely in Dallas County. The main Dallas DPS office is located at 4201 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235. You can also renew at satellite offices in other parts of the Dallas area — the DPS website lists all locations and their hours.

You do not have to renew in person. Texas allows online renewal for most people, and by mail for some. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, taking just a few minutes from home. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office.

Before you go to an office or choose online renewal, check which method works for your situation. Your may be able to access depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have changed your address, and what type of license you hold.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works for most people whose license expired less than two years ago and who have not changed their address.
In-person renewal at a DPS office in Dallas takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago, but takes four to six weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal.
If your license expired more than two years ago or you changed your address, you must renew in person at a Dallas DPS office.
Bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy of your birth certificate — a photo of it will not work.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not have a commercial driver license (CDL). You will also need a valid email address and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.

Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew Online." You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for. You can renew for one, two, four, or six years. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not work if your address changed, your name changed, or you need to update your license class. In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Dallas DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you changed your address, or if you need to update your name or license class. You will also need to renew in person if you want to add or remove a Real ID star (the gold star in the upper right corner of a Real ID-compliant license).

Visit any DPS office in the Dallas area during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the DPS website for the specific office location and hours before you go. Bring your current or expired driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You will also need to provide your original Social Security card or a certified copy of your birth certificate — a photo will not be accepted.

The renewal process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your driving record and medical history, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal for Dallas residents

Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your address. You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than two years ago, if you changed your address, or if you have a CDL.

To renew by mail, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and request a mail renewal form. You can also read the form from the DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after that.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office. It is a good option if you are busy or prefer not to visit a DPS office.

What documents you need for renewal

The documents you need depend on which renewal method you choose. For online renewal, you need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number — you do not need to bring physical documents.

For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired driver license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. Your Social Security proof must be your original Social Security card or a certified copy of your birth certificate. A photo of your Social Security card or birth certificate will not be accepted. If you do not have your Social Security card or birth certificate, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration or your state vital records office before you visit the DPS.

For mail renewal, you need the same documents as in-person renewal, but you mail them with your form instead of bringing them to an office. The DPS will return your documents to you after processing your renewal.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

The renewal fee depends on how many years you renew for. Texas allows you to renew for one, two, four, or six years. The longer the renewal period, the higher the total fee, but the cost per year is lower. For example, a one-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal, but if you divide the six-year fee by six, each year costs less than the one-year fee.

Fees vary and change over time, so check the Texas DPS website for the current cost before you renew. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit, and checks.

Your new license will be valid for the number of years you choose, starting from the date you renew. If you renew online or by mail, the validity date starts when the DPS processes your renewal, not when you receive your license in the mail.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license is expired, you can still renew it as long as it has not been expired for more than two years. Expired licenses can be renewed online or by mail if you meet the other requirements, or in person at any time. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, so renew as soon as possible.

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. A suspension can happen for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or other violations. Contact the Texas DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out why and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license using any of the methods described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Dallas driver license online if I changed my address?

No. Online renewal only works if your address has not changed since your last renewal. If you moved, you must renew in person at a Dallas DPS office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your renewal. Processing time is faster for online renewal than for mail renewal. If you renew in person, your new license is mailed to you the same day, so you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have my birth certificate?

You will need one of these documents to renew in person. Request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (call 1-800-772-1213) or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office. Both can take one to two weeks, so request them early if you plan to renew soon.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Dallas DPS office. Licenses expired more than two years cannot be renewed online or by mail. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or birth certificate.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew in person?

Yes. When you renew in person at a DPS office, you will have a new photo taken for your license. Wear something you are comfortable with for a photo, and avoid wearing hats or sunglasses unless for medical or religious reasons.

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.