How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas DL Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew a Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 business days and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. By mail takes 15 to 20 business days. In-person renewal at a DPS office is same-day for a temporary paper license, though the plastic card arrives by mail.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. Texas also requires a vision test for in-person renewals, which you cannot do online or by mail.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person and pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. This is treated as a new license process, not a renewal.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
The online renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, and you receive your license by mail in about 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires the same may be able to access as online renewal but takes 15 to 20 business days and costs the same fee.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a vision test and takes one day for a temporary license, with the permanent card arriving by mail.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore in person and pass a knowledge test, vision test, and driving test.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

To renew online through the Texas DPS website, your license must have expired within the last two years, you must not have changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you must have a valid email address. You also cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that have changed.

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your information, review the renewal form, and pay the fee by credit card or debit card. The system will confirm your payment when ready.

After you submit your renewal online, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You do not need to visit an office. Your temporary paper license is not issued — you will drive on your current license until the new one arrives, which typically takes 10 business days but can take up to three weeks depending on mail delivery.

Mail Renewal: When to Use It and What to Send

Mail renewal follows the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must have expired within the last two years, you cannot have changed your name or address, and you cannot have medical restrictions or vision changes. Mail renewal is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online.

Request a renewal process by calling the Texas DPS at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935) or by visiting a DPS office in person. The DPS will mail you an process form. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it back to the address printed on the form along with your fee payment. You can pay by check or money order — do not send cash.

Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) with your mailed process. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. This method takes 15 to 20 business days from the time the DPS receives your process, plus mail delivery time both ways.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

Visit a Texas DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have changed your name or address, if you have new medical restrictions or vision corrections, or if you prefer to renew in person. You will need to pass a vision test at the office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

Arrive during office hours — most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check the DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

At the office, you will complete a renewal process, pass a vision test, and pay your fee. The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent plastic license is mailed to you. Your permanent license typically arrives within 10 business days.

Fees and Payment Methods

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16 to renew online or by mail. An eight-year license costs $32. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs the same — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You choose the license term when you renew.

Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders — write your driver's license number on the check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some DPS offices also accept electronic payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment options at your specific office.

If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected, the DPS will return your payment. If you renew in person and your process is rejected, you will be told at the office and can correct the issue when ready or reapply.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This means you must visit a DPS office in person, pass a written knowledge test, pass a vision test, and pass a driving test. You will also need to provide proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport).

The knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. The vision test checks your eyesight. The driving test is a practical test of your ability to operate a vehicle safely. If you fail any test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before retesting.

A new license process costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license — the same as renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license by mail within 10 business days.

Address or Name Changes During Renewal

If you have moved or changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days) and proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

At the office, you will complete a renewal process with your new information, pass a vision test, and pay your fee. The DPS will issue a temporary paper license and mail your permanent license to your new address within 10 business days.

If you have moved but have not yet updated your address with the DPS, update it before you renew. You can update your address online at dps.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. The two-year expiration window for online and mail renewal is based on when your license expired, not where you were. If your license expired within the last two years and you meet the other requirements (no name or address change, no new medical restrictions), you can renew online or by mail from anywhere.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license — you must drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license is expired, you cannot legally drive. In that case, renew in person to get the temporary license when ready.

Do I need to take a new photo for online or mail renewal?

No. Online and mail renewal use your photo from your previous license. If you renew in person, the DPS will take a new photo at the office.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the suspension.

How do I know if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?

The Texas DPS online renewal portal will tell you whether your license is may be able to access when you enter your information. If you are not may be able to access, the system will explain why and direct you to mail renewal or in-person renewal.

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.