What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas

Texas lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew before expiration, but Texas allows you to renew up to two years after your license expires.

Your Texas driver license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old, or four years if you are 85 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You do not have to wait until the last minute — you can renew any time in the 60 days before expiration, and the new license will be mailed to you before the old one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your photo, address, or other personal information.
  • The renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you must have a valid form of identification and proof of residency.
  • Texas does not require a new vision test or written exam to renew unless your license was suspended or revoked, or you are renewing after a long expiration.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will answer questions to confirm your identity and current information. Once you submit the form and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a license with hazmat restrictions. It is also not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

Mail Renewal by Sending Your License and Form

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the Texas DPS. You will need Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year).

Mail your license, completed form, and payment to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. During this time, your expired license is still valid for driving in Texas.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your photo, address, or name, or if you hold a CDL or other commercial endorsement. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you hold a CDL or other restricted license type. You will also need to renew in person if you are over 85 years old and your license is expiring. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), a completed DL-44 form, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification.

Visit a DPS office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for standard renewals. A DPS employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring the documents listed below to speed up your visit. DPS offices can be busy, especially near the end of the month or before holidays. Going early in the day or mid-week usually means shorter wait times.

Documents and Identification You Will Need

For any renewal method, you must provide proof of identity and proof of residency. Your current Texas driver license counts as proof of identity. If your license has been expired for more than two years, bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days of your renewal. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A copy is acceptable — you do not need the original.

If you are renewing by mail or online and your address has not changed, you do not need to provide separate proof of residency. If you are renewing in person or changing your address, bring one of the documents listed above.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee depends on the length of your license. An eight-year license costs $32. A four-year license costs $16. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $16 to renew.

For online renewal, you can pay by debit card or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some DPS offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm.

There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or photo updates during renewal. If you need to add an endorsement (such as motorcycle or CDL), that requires a separate process and additional fees.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew by mail or online (if you meet the other requirements). You can also renew in person at any DPS office. Your expired license is still valid for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring a second form of identification in addition to your expired license. You may also be required to pass a vision test or written exam, depending on how long the license has been expired and your age. Call your local DPS office to ask what to expect before you go.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee and meeting other requirements. Renewal is not available until your suspension or revocation has been cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew any time in the 60 days before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will be mailed to you before your current license expires, so there is no gap in your driving privilege. The expiration date on your new license will be eight years (or four years if you are 85 or older) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials.

Do I need a new vision test or written exam to renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. Texas does not require a vision test or written exam if you are renewing before your license expires or within two years of expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may be required to pass a vision test or exam. Call your local DPS office to confirm what is required in your situation.

What if I changed my address since my last renewal?

If you changed your address, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, write your new address on the DL-44 form and include proof of residency dated within 90 days. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency and a DPS employee will update your address during the renewal process.

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

If you no longer live in Texas, you should not renew your Texas license. You should obtain a driver license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Texas but are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online (if you meet the other requirements). If you have moved permanently and your Texas license is still valid, you can continue to use it for identification, but you should get a license from your new state for driving purposes.