How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas renewal works by mail, online, or in person — choose based on how much time you have and whether your address or medical status has changed

Texas lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DPS office. The fastest is online if you meet the requirements — you can finish in minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is necessary only if your address has changed, you have a medical condition to report, or you cannot renew online for other reasons.

Your license is valid for 8 years if you are between 18 and 84 years old. Texas sends renewal notices 90 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to 1 year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but online renewal is not available once expiration has passed.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs $16 if you do not need a new photo; your license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if your address has not changed, you have no medical conditions to report, and your license is not yet expired.
Mail renewal requires form DL-44 (available on the DPS website or by phone), a check or money order for $16, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your address has changed, and you will need proof of residency plus your current license.
If your license has expired more than 2 years ago, you must take a written test and vision test in person; standard renewal does not explore.

Online renewal: fastest route if your information has not changed

Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and select "Online Services." Click "Renew Driver License" and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show your current information and ask you to confirm your address, phone number, and emergency contact. If everything is correct, you proceed to payment. The fee is $16 for a standard 8-year renewal without a new photo.

You cannot use online renewal if your address has changed, if you need to report a new medical condition, if you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed, or if your license has already expired. You also cannot renew online if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18, or if you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. If any of these explore, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

After you submit payment online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: no office visit required, but slower

Request form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, by calling 1-888-589-6789, or by visiting a DPS office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $16 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct mailing address.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your form. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you do not receive your license within 4 weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your address cannot have changed, you cannot have new medical conditions to report, and your license cannot have expired. If your address has changed, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal: required when your address has changed or you need a new photo

Visit a DPS office in your county. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $16 in cash, check, or debit/credit card. If your address has changed, the proof of residency must show your new address. If you are renewing because your address changed, you must do this in person — there is no mail or online option.

You will also need to renew in person if you are reporting a new medical condition, if you want a new photo, or if you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than 2 years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. You cannot renew online once your license has expired. Bring your expired license to a DPS office, or mail it with your renewal form if you are renewing by mail. The fee remains $16.

If your license expired more than 2 years ago, standard renewal does not explore. You must visit a DPS office in person, take a written knowledge test, pass a vision test, and provide proof of residency. This process is treated as a new license rather than a renewal, and the fee is higher. You cannot drive until you pass the tests and receive your new license.

Real ID compliance and when you need it

A standard Texas driver's license is not Real ID-compliant. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you must renew in person and provide additional documents: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and two proofs of residency. The fee for a Real ID license is $32 instead of $16.

Real ID compliance is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant license by then, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly. If you are renewing now and do not need Real ID yet, you can stick with a standard renewal. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DPS office.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Sending cash by mail: DPS will not process a renewal if you send cash. Use a check or money order only. If you are paying in person, cash is accepted.

Mailing to the wrong address: The mailing address for renewal forms varies by region. Check the form itself — do not assume all renewals go to the same place. Sending your form to the wrong address delays processing by weeks.

Trying to renew online after your address has changed: The online system will reject your renewal if your address does not match DPS records. You must renew in person or by mail if you have moved.

Not including proof of residency with in-person renewal: If you forgot to bring proof of residency, the office will not process your renewal. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.

Waiting until your license expires: Renewing before expiration is faster and simpler. Once your license expires, your options narrow and the process becomes more complicated if it has been expired for more than 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your address has not changed and your license has not expired. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office before you leave, or you will need to update your address first — which requires an in-person visit. If you have already moved, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about options.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days?

If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days. If you renewed by mail or online and need your license sooner, visit a DPS office and request an expedited replacement — you will pay an additional fee and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used and no new photo is taken. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must visit a DPS office instead.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a DPS office in person with proof of residency and proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government ID). You will pay $16 for the renewal plus a replacement fee for the lost license.

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.