Texas driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes one to two hours on average, depending on how busy your local office is.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had a name change or address change since your last license. Texas also requires you to pass an eye test if you renew in person, but not if you renew online or by mail.
You'll need your current license or another form of ID, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, you'll also need a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for licenses expired less than two years ago, but you cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo or have certain medical conditions.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you've changed your name, or you have medical restrictions that need review.
- Your renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
- You can check your renewal status and find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website without creating an account.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.
Online renewal is only open to you if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions listed on your record, and you haven't changed your name. You also cannot renew online if you need a new photo — Texas requires a new photo every 16 years for adults, so if your last license was issued 16 or more years ago, you must renew in person or by mail.
Once you complete the online form, you'll pay by debit card or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: when it works and what to send
Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions. You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or have any medical conditions flagged on your current license.
read the process for Renewal of Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes to your emergency contact. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form, a copy of your current license (front and back), and a check or money order for $16 (four years) or $32 (eight years) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address. Mail it to the address on the form; processing takes two to three weeks after DPS receives it.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you've changed your name, you have medical restrictions on your record, or you need a new photo. Bring your current license or another form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change.
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Check before you go.
At the office, you'll complete an process, have your photo taken, and pass a vision test. The whole process usually takes one to two hours, though it can be longer during peak times. You'll pay your renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Texas offers two renewal periods: four years for $16 or eight years for $32. The eight-year license is the standard option for most adults. You choose which one you want when you renew, whether you're doing it online, by mail, or in person.
If you're renewing in person and you're over 85 years old, your license is free but valid for only four years. If you have certain medical conditions, your license may be restricted to a shorter period — your doctor or the DPS examiner will tell you if that applies to you.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you'll need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just the vision test. You'll also need to provide proof of residency and your Social Security number, just as you would for renewal.
Go to a DPS office in person to reapply. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You can book an appointment online or walk in, depending on your local office's policy. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
Name changes and other updates during renewal
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or by mail — you cannot renew online. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official document. The DPS will verify it before issuing your new license.
If you've moved to a new address, you can update it during any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person. If you've changed your address but not renewed your license yet, you can update your address separately through the Texas DPS website without renewing your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?
Yes, if you've renewed online or by mail. You can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, which is valid while you wait for your plastic license to arrive by mail.
What if I lost my Social Security number or don't have it memorized?
You'll need your Social Security number to renew online. For mail or in-person renewal, bring a document that shows it — your Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration before you renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take seven to 10 business days after DPS processes your request. In-person renewal is faster: you get a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic license arrives in seven to 10 business days. Processing times can be longer during peak periods.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
It depends on your local office. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Check the Texas DPS website for your nearest office and its policy. If appointments are required and none are open, you may be able to walk in during certain hours or come back on a less busy day.
What if my address on my license is wrong but I don't want to renew yet?
You can update your address without renewing your license through the Texas DPS website. Go to the address change portal, enter your license number and personal information, and update your address. This is free and takes a few minutes.