How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Texas License Renewal

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have certain medical conditions on file, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must go to a driver license office in person or use the mail-in option for address changes only.

Texas sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you will need for online renewal. If you do not have the notice, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes if your license expired less than two years ago.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.
In-person renewal at a driver license office requires a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on wait times.
Mail-in renewal is available only for address changes and takes two to three weeks; you must include your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and proof of your new address.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 10 to 15 business days for in-person renewal.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need to change your name, address, or other personal information. Go to txdps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, then click "Renew Your License Online." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and either your renewal notice number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history or previous Texas records. Once you pass that step, you review your current information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay the fee by debit or credit card. Texas does not accept checks or money orders online. Your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will see a message telling you to renew in person or by mail instead. This happens sometimes with people who have little credit history or who have recently moved. In that case, you must visit a driver license office.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you hold a CDL, or if you have a medical condition restriction on your license. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to. Bring your current Texas driver's license, a Real ID-compliant document (U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID), and proof of your current address.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your address, bring documents showing both your old and new address, or bring one document with your new address and a separate document with your old address. A driver license office will not accept a post office box as your residence address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you are changing your name. You will fill out a DL-44 form at the office (or bring one completed beforehand from txdps.texas.gov/forms). The fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Wait times vary by location; check the DPS website for your local office's current wait time before you go.

Your new license arrives by mail within 10 to 15 business days. You can use your old license as proof of identity until the new one arrives.

Mail-In Renewal for Address Changes Only

You can renew by mail only if you are changing your address and your license has not been expired for more than two years. Mail-in renewal is slower than online or in-person, taking two to three weeks, so use this option only if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.

Complete a DL-44 form (available at txdps.texas.gov/forms), include your current Texas driver's license, and include proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail the packet to the address listed on the DL-44 form. Do not mail cash; send a check or money order for $16 (four years) or $32 (eight years) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. Your new license arrives by mail within 10 to 15 business days after the DPS receives your packet.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

You can renew an expired Texas license online if it has been expired for less than two years. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you must renew in person at a driver license office. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal, but you will need to bring the same documents (Real ID-compliant ID, proof of address, and your current license if you still have it).

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal notice or a screenshot of your online renewal confirmation, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current CDL, a Real ID-compliant document, proof of your address, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if your CDL requires one. Most CDLs do require a current medical certificate; check your license to see if "Medical Certificate Required" appears on it.

The fee for CDL renewal is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it before you renew your CDL. You can get a medical certificate from any certified medical examiner; the DPS website lists examiners by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need to change your address. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at a Texas driver license office or use mail-in renewal. You cannot change your address to an out-of-state address online.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online. Use your driver's license number and date of birth instead, or use your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity either way.

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewal takes 10 to 15 business days after the DPS receives your packet. You can use your old license as proof of identity until the new one arrives.

Do I have to renew in person if I want a Real ID?

Yes. Real ID licenses must be obtained or renewed in person. Bring your passport or birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years).

What if the online system says I cannot renew online?

The system may reject you if it cannot verify your identity, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you have a flag on your record (such as a medical restriction or name change). You must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current license, a Real ID-compliant document, and proof of address.

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.