Where to renew your license in Houston

In Houston, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Texas does not use county DMVs the way some states do — all license renewals go through DPS, which operates driver license offices across the city.

The main Houston DPS driver license office is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. There are also satellite offices in other parts of the Houston area, including locations in Pasadena, Pearland, and Spring. You can renew at any DPS office; you do not have to use the one closest to your home.

Before you go in person, check the DPS website or call ahead. Wait times vary by location and time of day, and some offices accept walk-ins while others require you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas renews driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not a county DMV, and you can visit any DPS office in the Houston area.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your renewal notice arrived in the mail — but you cannot renew online in Texas.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or an acceptable ID document.
  • Standard renewals take about 7 to 10 business days once DPS processes your process; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address with DPS before you renew if you have moved.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from DPS, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions or special conditions, and your renewal notice says you are may be able to access.

To renew by mail, fill out the process form that came with your notice, include a copy of your current license, and mail everything to the address printed on the notice. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — Texas does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail renewals take longer than in-person renewals, usually 2 to 3 weeks after DPS receives your packet.

If your renewal notice did not arrive or you are not sure whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal, contact DPS before mailing anything. You cannot renew online in Texas, even though some other states offer that option.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license to the DPS office. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a different form of ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work.

You will also need proof of your current address. DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your new address yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name and a separate document (like a bank statement) showing your new address.

Have your Social Security number ready. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an acceptable ID document instead — a passport, military ID, or consular ID card. You will also need to know your Texas driver's license number, which is on your current license.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A DPS employee will call you when it is your turn. Bring all your documents — the staff member will verify your identity, check your address, and ask whether anything on your license needs to change (such as your name or whether you wear corrective lenses).

You will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next several years. You will also pay the renewal fee at this time. Standard renewals cost less than initial licenses, and the fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid.

Once the DPS employee processes your process, you will receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

How long the renewal takes

The in-office part of your renewal usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. The wait before you are called can be longer during peak hours — early morning, lunch time, and late afternoon tend to be busier than mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

After you leave the office, DPS takes 7 to 10 business days to mail your new license to you. That timeline starts when DPS processes your process, not when you visit the office. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use the temporary paper license you received at the office.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS to check the status. Occasionally mail is delayed, and DPS can reissue your license or provide another temporary license if needed.

Updating your address before renewal

Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with DPS. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew — otherwise your new license will go to your old address and you will have to contact DPS to get it reissued.

You can update your address online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at any DPS office. If you update online or by phone, the change takes effect when ready. When you renew in person, the DPS employee can update your address for you as part of the renewal process.

Special situations: medical conditions and restrictions

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), DPS will ask you about them during your renewal. If your medical condition has changed, tell the DPS employee — they can update your restrictions or remove them if they no longer explore.

If you have a medical condition that developed since your last license was issued and it affects your ability to drive safely, you may need a medical evaluation form from your doctor before you renew. DPS will let you know if this is required based on your situation. If your license is suspended for medical reasons, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is expired?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew an expired license as long as it expired within the last 2 years. If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you will need to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which involves a written test and a road test.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS employee will update your name during your renewal. Your new license will show your current legal name.

Do I have to renew in person, or can someone else do it for me?

You must renew in person at a DPS office — DPS does not allow someone else to renew your license on your behalf. The only exception is mail renewal, which you can do yourself if you received a renewal notice and are may be able to access.

What if my temporary paper license gets lost before my new license arrives?

Contact the DPS office where you renewed and ask for a replacement temporary license. Bring your ID and explain that your temporary license was lost. DPS can issue you another one while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

How much does a license renewal cost in Texas?

The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically 4 or 6 years. DPS will tell you the exact fee when you arrive at the office. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office.