What documents Texas requires to renew in person
To renew your Texas driver's license in person, you need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.
If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need a document proving that change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy; photocopies don't work. If you've lost your current license, you can still renew, but you'll pay an additional replacement fee on top of the renewal cost.
Key Takeaways
- Texas lets you renew online if you're between 18 and 84, your license isn't suspended, and it expired less than two years ago.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, one proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular ID), and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- A standard five-year renewal costs $25 if you renew online or $40 if you renew in person at a DPS office.
- If you renew online, you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal takes about 15 minutes at the office.
- You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have an outstanding traffic warrant.
Online renewal: who qualifies and how it works
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if you meet specific conditions. You must be between 18 and 84 years old, your current license must not be suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and your license must have expired within the past two years. You also cannot have an outstanding traffic warrant or a failure-to-appear charge.
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, create or log into your account, and answer questions about your identity and driving history. You'll upload a new photo or use your existing one. The fee is $25 for a standard five-year license. You'll pay by credit or debit card. After you complete the process, your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not work if you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status. If any of those explore, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your documents and you can renew the same day. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Fill out form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read beforehand or complete at the office. A staff member will take your photo and fingerprints, verify your information, and process your renewal.
The in-person renewal fee is $40 for a standard five-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Most offices issue your new license on the spot, though some locations mail it to you. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm whether they issue licenses same-day or by mail.
In-person renewal is required if you're changing your name, address, or organ donor status; if your license is suspended or revoked; or if you have an outstanding warrant. It's also your only option if you're 85 or older.
Address and name changes during renewal
If you've moved since your last license, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you'll need to go to a DPS office in person. Bring proof of your new residency—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days and showing your current address.
If your name has changed, you also must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. DPS will not accept photocopies or uncertified documents. The renewal fee remains $40.
License suspension, revocation, and when you cannot renew
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or in person until the suspension is lifted. A suspension is usually temporary and results from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points. To learn about your license is suspended, check the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office.
A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process with DPS. Common reasons for revocation include multiple DWI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. If your license is revoked, you cannot renew; you must first complete DPS's reinstatement requirements, which vary by reason for revocation.
If you have an outstanding traffic warrant or a failure-to-appear charge, you cannot renew online. You may be able to renew in person, but DPS will flag your record. It's best to resolve the warrant or charge before attempting renewal.
Cost and timeline for Texas license renewal
A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 online or $40 in person. If you're renewing in person and your current license is lost or damaged, add $10 for a replacement fee. The total would be $50.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your process until your new license arrives by mail. In-person renewal is faster: most DPS offices issue your license the same day, though some mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days. Call ahead to confirm your local office's process.
Your new license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you're 85 or older, your license is valid for three years instead. Renewal notices are not mailed by DPS; it's your responsibility to renew before your license expires.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and explore for a new license, not a renewal. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, so you'll need to provide more documentation.
Bring your expired license (if you have it), proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written knowledge test and driving test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Call your local DPS office to ask what tests you'll need to take before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I have a suspended license from another state?
No. Texas checks the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions and revocations from all states. If you have an active suspension anywhere, you cannot renew in Texas until it's resolved. Contact the state that suspended your license to find out how to lift the suspension.
What if I moved out of Texas but still have a Texas license?
You should get a driver's license from your new state. If you still want to renew your Texas license, you can do so online if you meet the other requirements, but you'll need to provide a proof of residency from your new address. After renewal, update your address with DPS so mail reaches you.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
Most Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now require appointments. Check the DPS website or call your local office before you go. If appointments are required and none are available, you may have to wait several weeks.
Can I renew my license if I'm on probation or have a DWI conviction?
It depends on the details. A single DWI conviction does not automatically prevent renewal, but a revocation does. If your license was revoked due to DWI, you must complete DPS's reinstatement process first. If you're on probation but your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew normally.
What happens if I renew online but my information changes before the new license arrives?
If your address or name changes after you submit an online renewal but before your new license arrives, go to a DPS office and request a corrected license. You'll pay another renewal fee. To avoid this, wait to renew online until after any major life changes are finalized.