Where to renew your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license.
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you want to update your photo or address on the same day.
Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. However, if your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID.
- Mail renewal costs $25, takes about two weeks, and requires you to send your current license and a completed process to the DPS address in Austin.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $27 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID, and you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID for the first time, or if you have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
- Real ID-compliant licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025, so check whether you need one before you renew.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the simplest route if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. Go to the Texas DPS website, click on the driver's license renewal section, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, any medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor.
The fee is $25, paid by debit or credit card. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, and it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can check the status of your renewal online using your confirmation number.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID for the first time, if you have changed your name since your last license, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal with the Texas DPS
To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form (currently the DPS office in Austin).
Include a check or money order for $25 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. The DPS will process your process and mail your new license to you, which typically takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must still be valid, you cannot change your photo or name, and you cannot have a CDL. If you need a Real ID, you must renew in person because you will need to provide original documents to prove your identity and residency.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit a DPS office if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, if you want to update your photo or address, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than two years since expiration), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If you need a Real ID, you must also bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth, plus a second form of ID such as a military ID or passport. The DPS website lists all required documents for Real ID renewal, so check before you go.
The fee is $27 for a standard driver's license or $32 for a Real ID. You will take a new photo at the office, and the DPS will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID versus standard license: which do you need?
A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight within the United States or to enter a federal building. If you do not have a Real ID and your current license expires before that date, you can renew as a standard license and upgrade to Real ID later.
Real ID renewal requires more documents than standard renewal: an original birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth, plus proof of your current address. You must renew in person at a DPS office; you cannot do it online or by mail. The fee is $5 more than a standard license ($32 instead of $27).
If you are not sure whether you have a Real ID, look at your current license. If there is a gold star in the upper right corner, you have one. If your license expires before May 2025 and you do not have a Real ID, you can wait to upgrade until your next renewal, or you can go to a DPS office now to add Real ID to your current license for $5.
What to do if your license has expired
If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents you would for in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your number.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DPS office using the same process as a standard renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired, even if it expired only a few days ago.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have applied to renew it. The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid for 45 days and counts as proof that you have renewed, so you can drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
How to find a DPS office and check wait times
The Texas DPS website has a tool to find the nearest driver's license office by city or zip code. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Some offices are walk-in only, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday if possible. Fridays and the end of the month are typically busier. You can check current wait times at some offices on the DPS website before you go.
If you live far from a DPS office or have mobility issues, some counties offer mobile DPS services that visit smaller towns on a rotating schedule. Call your local DPS office or check the website to see if this service is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved out of state?
No. You must renew your license in the state where you currently live. If you have moved to another state, you need to explore for a driver's license in that state instead. You can surrender your Texas license when you get your new one, or keep it as an ID if you wish.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your 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 is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years. If you are over 85 years old, your license is valid for 4 years. Commercial driver's licenses are valid for 4 years. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support debt?
The Texas DPS can suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or certain other debts. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the agency that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the Texas DPS when ready with your confirmation number and a photo of the damage or error. The DPS will reissue your license at no charge. Mail the damaged license back to the DPS office in Austin along with a letter explaining the problem.