Where to Renew in Houston

In Houston, you renew your driver license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. Harris County has multiple locations, and you do not need to go to the one that issued your original license — any DPS office in the state will process your renewal.

The main Houston locations are the Downtown Houston office (1414 Colorado Street), the Northeast Houston office (9314 Katy Freeway), and the Southwest Houston office (6505 Corporate Drive). Each office handles renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DPS website shows current wait times for each office, updated throughout the day.

You can also renew by mail if you meet specific conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, your name has not changed since your last renewal, and your license is not expired by more than two years. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current Texas driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
  • Standard renewals cost $45 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license; the fee does not change based on your age or driving record.
  • If you renew in person, bring your documents and arrive early — offices open at 8 a.m. on weekdays, and afternoon wait times are typically longer than morning.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no suspensions, and your name has not changed.
  • You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if you meet strict conditions: your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change.

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Bring your current Texas driver license, even if it is expired. DPS will not process your renewal without it. You also need one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. A driver license with an outdated address does not count as proof of residency.

You must provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. DPS will not renew without one or the other. If your name has changed since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the court order or certified marriage/divorce certificate.

Bring your original documents, not copies. DPS staff will examine them but will not keep them. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, you may be asked to read the eye chart during renewal, so wear them to your appointment.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website for drivers who meet strict requirements. Your license must have expired less than two years ago, you cannot have any medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing, your name must not have changed, and you must have a valid email address.

To start, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $45 for four years or $90 for eight years. You pay by credit or debit card.

After you complete the online transaction, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The process takes seven to ten business days from the date DPS processes your payment. You will receive a confirmation email with a transaction number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status.

Mail Renewal: Steps and Timeline

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely — include your current license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided.

Include your current driver license (or a photocopy of both sides if you want to keep the original), one document showing your current address dated within 90 days, and a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail the packet to the address listed on the DL-44 form — this is a DPS processing center, not a local office.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. DPS does not send a confirmation that your renewal arrived, so keep a copy of the form and your mailing receipt. If you do not receive your new license within eight weeks, contact the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

A standard Texas driver license renewal costs $45 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license. You choose the validity period when you renew — there is no difference in the process process, only in the fee. The fee is the same regardless of your age, driving record, or whether you have had violations.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay the same fee as in-person renewal. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, or card; others accept card only. Call ahead or check the DPS website to confirm what payment methods your chosen office accepts.

Your new license will be valid for the period you selected (four or eight years) from the date DPS issues it, not from the date your old license expired. If your old license expired on March 15, 2024, and DPS issues your new license on April 10, 2024, your new license will expire four or eight years from April 10, 2024.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

You can renew a license that is expired by up to two years through mail or online. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. DPS recommends renewing before your license expires to avoid this issue. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you may receive a citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method — in person, by mail, or online. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court. Contact the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?

No appointment is required for driver license renewal at DPS offices in Houston. You can walk in during business hours. However, DPS offices can become very busy, especially in the afternoon and on Fridays. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

Bring a document showing your new address dated within 90 days — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. DPS will update your address during the renewal process. If you renew online or by mail, DPS will send your new license to the address you provide in the process.

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

DPS issues your new license on the same day you renew in person. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within seven to ten business days.

Can I renew my license if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Wear your glasses or contacts to your renewal appointment. DPS may ask you to read the eye chart to confirm your vision meets the standard for driving. If you have a medical condition affecting your vision or driving ability, you may need additional documentation or testing.