Texas renewal works by mail, online, or in person — choose based on how long your license has been expired
Texas lets you renew your driver license through three different routes, and which one you can use depends on when your license expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The state charges a flat fee for renewal regardless of which method you choose. Standard renewal costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check, depending on the method you use. If you are renewing in person, you can also pay with cash.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $16 (two years) or $32 (five years), but only works if your license expired less than two years ago.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online but takes 4 to 6 weeks and is the only option if you cannot visit a DPS office.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you will receive your temporary license when ready.
- You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Texas does not require a new photo or vision test for standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your current or expired license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with the state. If verification succeeds, you can pay the renewal fee when ready and submit your process.
Online renewal does not require you to provide new documents or visit an office. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address before you start the online process — you can do this on the same website or wait and update it when you renew in person. The new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if the DPS system cannot verify your identity. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail through the Texas DPS
Mail renewal requires you to send your current or expired license, a completed process form, and payment to the Texas DPS. The process form is Form DL-44, available as a PDF on the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Print the form, fill it out completely, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."
Mail your completed process, form, and payment to the address listed on the DPS website — the address changes based on which region you live in, so verify it before you send anything. Include your current or expired license in the envelope. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago. You do not need to provide proof of residency or Social Security number by mail — the DPS verifies these using your existing record. If you have moved, you can update your address on the form before you mail it, or you can update it later online or in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. You will need to visit a Texas DPS office with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.
You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office — this is a straightforward test that takes a few minutes. You will not need to take a written test or driving test for standard renewal. The DPS will take a new photo for your license. Bring your current or expired license to speed up the process.
Processing time at a DPS office varies by location and how busy the office is. Some offices have walk-in service; others require you to schedule an appointment online at dps.texas.gov. Many offices are busiest on Fridays and at the end of the month, so plan your visit accordingly. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your appointment, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN (no documents to mail) | 7–10 business days | License expired less than 2 years ago |
| Current or expired license, completed Form DL-44, payment | 4–6 weeks | License expired less than 2 years ago; cannot visit office | |
| In Person | Expired license, proof of residency, proof of SSN | when ready temporary license; 7–10 days for permanent | License expired more than 2 years ago; or need address change |
Common mistakes that delay Texas license renewal
The most common error is sending mail renewal to the wrong address. The DPS has multiple regional processing centers, and sending your process to the wrong one adds weeks to processing time. Always check the current mailing address on the DPS website before you send anything — do not use an address from an old form or email.
Another frequent mistake is trying to renew online when your license has been expired for more than two years. The online system will reject your process, and you will have to start over with an in-person visit. Check your license expiration date before you begin.
For mail renewal, incomplete forms cause delays. Make sure you sign and date Form DL-44, fill in all required fields, and include payment. If you forget to include your expired license, the DPS will send the process back. For in-person renewal, bring all required documents — missing proof of residency or Social Security number means you will have to reschedule and come back.
Renewing a license that is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Texas DPS. Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DWI convictions or accumulating too many points.
Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through the normal process. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, you may be able to request a temporary driving permit, but this depends on the reason for the suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live outside Texas, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired less than two years ago. Mail renewal is usually the best option for out-of-state residents. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office during a visit to Texas, or you can request a temporary permit by phone and renew by mail once you receive it.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.
How long can I drive on an expired Texas license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, if you are in the process of renewing and have submitted an process by mail or online, you can drive on a temporary license or receipt showing your process is pending. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Do not drive on an expired license without proof of a pending renewal process.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Texas license?
For standard renewal (license expired less than two years), you do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, the DPS will take a new photo. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will receive a new photo.
What if the DPS rejects my online renewal process?
The system will tell you why it rejected your process — usually because your license expired more than two years ago, your identity could not be verified, or there is a hold on your record. If your license is not too old, try renewing by mail instead. If there is a hold, call 1-888-589-6789 to find out what needs to be resolved before you can renew.