How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Walk-in service is available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait — appointments often fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've never had a Real ID-compliant license and want one now, you'll also need to bring a certified birth certificate or passport.

You do not need to bring your vehicle or take a new driving test unless your license has been suspended or revoked, or unless you're renewing after it has been expired for more than two years.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any DPS office, or by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you meet other conditions.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
Standard renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail; in-person renewal is usually complete the same day.
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years; a Real ID license is also valid for 8 years but requires additional documents at renewal.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing by mail if your license is still valid or recently expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting a DPS office. You are not may be able to access for mail renewal if you are under 18, if your license was suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you need to change your address or name.

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DPS website. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $33 for a standard 8-year license), and mail it to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Do not send your current license unless the form specifically asks for it.

Mail renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. Keep track of when you mailed it; if you don't receive your license within three weeks, contact DPS to check the status.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your documents, or schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee at the window — $33 for a standard 8-year license, or $72 for a Real ID license that is also valid for 8 years.

You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your plastic license arrives, the temporary paper license is legal to carry.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person. DPS may require you to retake the written test, though this is waived in some cases — ask the officer at the window whether you need to take it.

Real ID versus standard license at renewal

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both are valid for 8 years. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it as a Real ID at no extra cost beyond the standard renewal fee — just tell the DPS officer. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID at renewal, you must bring a certified birth certificate or passport in addition to your other documents. The Real ID renewal fee is $72 instead of $33.

If you do not upgrade to Real ID now, you can still fly domestically and enter federal buildings with your standard license until 2025, when the federal important date takes effect. After that date, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring all the same documents as a standard renewal, plus your expired license.

DPS may require you to retake the written driving test. This is not automatic — the officer will tell you whether you need to take it when you arrive. If you do, you'll take the test on a computer at the office. You do not need to retake the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a safety reason.

Bring a second form of identification (a passport, military ID, or state ID card) in case the officer needs it to verify your identity. The renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard 8-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $33. A Real ID license renewal costs $72. These are the fees as of 2024; check the DPS website to confirm the current amount.

At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Make the check payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

If you are 65 or older, your renewal fee is reduced. Ask the DPS officer about senior discounts when you arrive, or call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm the amount.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

If you renew in person, you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes 7 to 10 business days from the day DPS receives your process.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website, and they will forward your license to your new address. Do not open a change-of-address request with the post office, because DPS mail is not forwarded automatically.

If you don't receive your license within three weeks of renewal, contact DPS by phone or through their website to check the status. Bring your temporary paper license with you if you need to drive before the plastic card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you meet the other mail renewal conditions. If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas. Some people renew in person during a visit home, or you can contact DPS to ask about exceptions.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person; mail renewal is not available when your name has changed. The DPS officer will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

Do I need to take a driving test to renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years, in which case DPS may require a written test. You do not need to retake the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked. If you're unsure, call your local DPS office before you go.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You need a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement costs less than a renewal and is a different process. Visit a DPS office with your proof of residency and Social Security number, and they will issue a replacement license on the spot.

Can I renew online?

Texas does not offer full online renewal. You can schedule an appointment online to renew in person, or you can renew by mail if you meet the conditions. You cannot complete the entire renewal process through the DPS website.

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.