Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it's been expired
Texas offers three renewal paths: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Which one you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how close you are to expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online because it's the fastest and cheapest option — no office visit, no waiting in line, and you get your new license by mail in about two weeks.
Your current license must not be expired by more than two years to renew by mail or online. If it's expired longer than that, you must explore in person. You also cannot renew online if you've had a name change, address change, or need to correct information on your license — those require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
- Your license must not be expired by more than two years to renew online or by mail; anything older requires an in-person process.
- Mail renewal is available only if you have a valid mailing address on file with DPS and meet the same expiration window as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu, then choose "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with DPS.
Online renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the process. After you submit, DPS mails your new license to the address on file — this usually takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a name or address change, if you've lost or had your license stolen, or if you want to change your photo. In any of those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.
Mail renewal by sending documents to DPS
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have a valid mailing address on file with DPS. You'll need to request a renewal form from DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or read the form from dps.texas.gov. The form is called the process for Texas Driver License (Form DL-44).
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for $25 (five-year license) or $50 (eight-year license) to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a copy of one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. Mail the packet and expect to wait three to four weeks for your new license to arrive.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to pay by check or money order rather than card. Most people choose online renewal instead because it's faster and easier, but mail renewal is an option if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use a website.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS office to renew in person. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at dps.texas.gov. Bring your current driver's license, one document proving your identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your full Social Security number.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license by cash, check, or card. Your new license is mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days. The visit itself usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you want a new photo, or if you've lost your license. You also need an in-person visit if you want to add or remove a restriction, change your gender marker, or update your organ donor status.
What to do if your license is expired by more than two years
If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means visiting a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Texas traffic laws.
The reapplication process takes longer than renewal and costs more. You'll pay $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, plus the cost of any required tests. The entire process at the office takes one to two hours. Your new license arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
If you're unsure whether your license is expired by more than two years, check the expiration date on the front of your card. The date is printed in the lower right corner. If you can't find your license, call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and provide your name and date of birth — they can tell you the status of your license.
Timeline for renewal and when to start the process
You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, you can start renewing on June 15 of the previous year. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date, though there's no penalty for waiting until the last day.
Online renewal takes about two weeks from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal is fastest for getting the license itself — you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed — but you have to travel to an office and wait in line. Plan accordingly based on when you need your new license.
If your license expires while you're waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you've submitted your renewal process. Keep your confirmation email from online renewal or your receipt from the DPS office. If you're stopped by police, show them this proof along with your expired license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I live out of state now?
No. Texas requires you to be a resident of Texas to hold a Texas driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you must get a driver's license from your new state. If you still have a Texas address on file but now live elsewhere, contact DPS to update your address first — they will then require you to renew in person or may cancel your license.
What if I changed my name since I got my current license?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license — you don't get a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The office will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost.
What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for my renewal?
You can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted your process. Keep your confirmation email from online renewal or your receipt from the DPS office. If stopped by police, show them this proof along with your expired license.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact DPS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are needed to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or other requirements. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.