How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas renewal works by mail, online, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Texas offers three ways to renew: by mail through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), online through the Texas DPS website, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how many years past expiration it is, and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than two years ago, or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

The online option is the fastest if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is, and you can get a temporary paper license on the spot while you wait for the plastic card.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks but works for the same licenses as online renewal and requires no office visit.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you want a new photo.
You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
Texas charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period; standard passenger licenses typically cost between $25 and $50.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your current or expired license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DPS records.

During the online process, you will confirm your address, choose whether to keep your current photo or request a new one (if you choose a new photo, you must renew in person instead), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, Texas offers expedited mail service for an additional fee, which typically delivers in 3 to 5 business days.

Online renewal is only available if your license expired fewer than two years ago. If your license has been expired longer than that, the system will direct you to renew in person.

Renewing by mail with the Texas DPS

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal — your license must have expired fewer than two years ago, and you cannot request a new photo. You will need to complete an process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Certificate (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by phone at 1-888-589-6789.

Fill out the form, gather your documents (your current or expired license, proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and proof of your Social Security number), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet. You can track your process status on the Texas DPS website if you provide an email address on your form.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you want a new photo. Visit a DPS office near you — you can find locations and hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail with your current address), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

DPS offices do not require appointments in most locations, but you can check the website to see if your local office offers online scheduling. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits are usually shorter. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. A DPS employee will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter by cash, check, or card. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic license is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need for any renewal method

All renewal methods require proof of identity and residency. Your current or expired Texas driver license serves as your proof of identity. For proof of residency, DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government check, or official mail from a government agency — the document must show your current name and address and be dated within 90 days of your process.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. If you are renewing online or by mail, you can provide just the last four digits of your number. If you are renewing in person, bring the actual document.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change. A certified copy means an official version with a seal or stamp from the issuing agency, not a photocopy you made yourself.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Texas renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard passenger driver license costs $25 for a four-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver licenses and other specialized licenses have different fees. You can choose which validity period works for you when you renew.

Your new license will be valid for the period you choose — either four or eight years from the date of issue. Texas does not charge extra for online or mail renewal compared to in-person renewal; the fee is the same regardless of method. If you are renewing in person and need a temporary paper license while you wait for your plastic card, there is no extra charge for that either.

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 or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office. The process is the same as described above — bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. DPS will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot.

The reason for this requirement is that DPS wants to verify your identity in person and take a current photo if your license has been expired for a long time. If your license was lost or stolen rather than straightforward expired, you will need to report that to DPS before renewing; ask the DPS employee at the office how to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?

No. You must renew your Texas license in person at a DPS office in Texas, or you can surrender it and get a license from your new state. If you have moved but still have a Texas address on file, you can renew online or by mail and have your new license mailed to that address, but you should update your address with DPS as soon as possible.

What happens if I drive with an expired license in Texas?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. If you are stopped, you can be ticketed. However, if your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you may be able to show proof of renewal to a police officer. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

How do I check the status of my renewed license?

If you renewed online or by mail, you can track your process on the Texas DPS website using your driver license number and date of birth. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license with an expiration date; your plastic license should arrive before that date expires.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing in person, the DPS employee will update your name during the process. If you are renewing online or by mail, contact DPS first to report the name change.

What if I need my license before the standard delivery time?

If you renewed online, you can pay an additional fee for expedited mail delivery, which typically arrives in 3 to 5 business days. If you renewed in person, you already have a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you renewed by mail and need your license sooner, you may need to visit a DPS office to request a replacement or expedited service.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.