How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

In Texas, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most renewals are valid for six years from your birthday, though the exact length depends on your age and license type. You do not need to take a new written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years, or unless DPS flags your record for a reason.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, how long your current license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access, but not everyone qualifies.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not yet expired or expired less than two years, and who have a Real ID-compliant license.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order to the DPS address in Austin.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to change your address.
The renewal fee in Texas is $61 for a six-year license, or $31 for a five-year license if you are 85 or older.
You must renew before your license expires to avoid a late fee and to keep driving legally.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, you have a Real ID-compliant license, and your address has not changed. You will need your Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a renewal confirmation when ready.

After you complete the online transaction, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license is already expired, you cannot drive legally while waiting for the renewal to arrive in the mail.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a Real ID-compliant license but have not yet activated it, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Four to Six Weeks

To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or request by phone. You must also send your current driver's license, a check or money order for $61 (or $31 if you are 85 or older), and a completed form to the DPS address in Austin. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal packet to: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15888, Austin, TX 78761-5888. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license returned. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and the entire process takes four to six weeks from the date they receive your packet.

Mail renewal is a good option if you do not need your new license urgently and your current license is not yet expired. If your license is already expired, you cannot drive legally while waiting for the mail renewal to be processed. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789, but you will need your driver's license number and date of birth.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time. You will also need to renew in person if you want to update your photograph or if the DPS has flagged your record for any reason.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment of $61 (or $31 if you are 85 or older). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate) and a Social Security card or W-2 form.

Visit the DPS website to find the office nearest you and check the current wait times. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The renewal process at the office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you receive your new license on the spot.

Real ID Compliance and Your Renewal

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If your current Texas license does not have the gold star, you are not Real ID-compliant. When you renew, you can choose to upgrade to a Real ID license or keep a standard license.

To upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $61 for six years. If you renew online or by mail without upgrading, your new license will also be a standard license without the gold star.

If you already have a Real ID-compliant license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago. You do not need to bring additional documents to renew a Real ID license that you already hold.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Late Renewal

The standard renewal fee in Texas is $61 for a six-year license. If you are 85 years old or older, the fee is $31 for a five-year license. If you renew online, you can pay with a debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order; do not send cash. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.

If you renew after your license expires, you may be charged a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The late fee is $10 if you renew within one year of expiration, and $20 if you renew more than one year after expiration. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago; you must renew by mail or in person.

If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, renewal fees and procedures are different. CDL renewals require an in-person visit to a DPS office and a medical examination. Contact the DPS for specific CDL renewal information.

What Happens If You Drive on an Expired License

Driving on an expired Texas driver's license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be fined up to $200 for driving with an expired license. An expired license can also complicate insurance claims if you are involved in an accident.

If your license is about to expire, start the renewal process before the expiration date. If your license is already expired, stop driving and renew when ready by visiting a DPS office in person. Do not wait for a mail renewal to arrive if you need to drive legally right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still have a Texas address on file but now live elsewhere, you must update your address with the DPS before you can renew.

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

After you complete an online renewal, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak renewal periods. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the DPS and obtain a replacement before you can renew. You can report a lost or stolen license online or by phone at 1-888-589-6789. A replacement license costs $11 and can be ordered by mail or obtained in person at a DPS office.

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

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years or the DPS has flagged your record for a reason. If you renew before your license expires or within two years of expiration, you will not need to take a test. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may be required to take a vision test.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

The DPS may place a hold on your renewal if you have an outstanding warrant or certain types of unpaid traffic citations. Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to learn about there is a hold on your record. You may need to resolve the issue before you can renew.

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.