You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or at a DPS office depending on your situation
Texas offers three renewal paths through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The online method is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if you've had a name change, vision problems, or certain medical conditions, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Your may be able to access depends on how long it's been since your last renewal, whether your address has changed, and whether you still meet the vision and medical requirements. If you don't meet the online or mail requirements, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 10 minutes, costs $25 or $40 depending on license length, and works only if your license is not expired and you haven't had a name change.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and payment to the DPS address; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal is required if your license is expired more than two years, you've changed your name, you have vision or medical restrictions, or your license was suspended or revoked.
- You must pass a vision test at a DPS office if you're renewing in person; bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and current license.
- Texas licenses are valid for five or eight years; you can choose the length when you renew, and the eight-year license costs $15 more.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Visit the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose your license length — five or eight years.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you haven't changed your name since your last renewal, and you don't have medical or vision restrictions that require a DPS officer's review. If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject you and direct you to mail or in-person renewal. The new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Mail renewal with the DL-44 form
read or request the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $25 (five-year) or $40 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if you want to keep the original while processing occurs.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. There is no tracking system, so if you need your license by a specific date, plan accordingly. Mail renewal works for most situations, but if you have medical conditions, vision problems, or a name change, the DPS may contact you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current license, Social Security number, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring your original documents or certified copies — a passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate if you've had a name change. Arrive early; wait times vary by location and time of day, but many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays.
At the office, you'll take a vision test and have your photo taken. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The DPS officer will review your medical history and ask about any conditions that might affect your driving. If you pass, you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in seven to ten business days.
When you must renew in person
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years, you've changed your name, you have a medical condition or vision problem that requires DPS review, or your license was suspended or revoked. You also must renew in person if you want to change your address to a new state or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
If your license was suspended or revoked, contact the DPS to find out what steps you need to take before renewal. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee or show proof of insurance (an SR-22 form) before the DPS will issue a new license. The DPS website has a tool to check your license status at dps.texas.gov under "Check License Status."
Choosing between a five-year and eight-year license
Texas offers two license lengths: five years for $25 or eight years for $40. The eight-year license costs $15 more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years instead of five. If you're young and expect your appearance to change significantly, a five-year license may be practical. If you're stable in your address and appearance, the eight-year license saves you a renewal trip down the road.
You choose the length at the time of renewal — online, by mail, or in person. You cannot change your choice after you've submitted your renewal, so decide before you start the process.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a non-expired license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, so renew as soon as you realize your license has lapsed.
If you've been driving on an expired license and are stopped by law enforcement, you may face a traffic citation. Renewing when ready afterward does not erase the citation, but it does restore your legal driving status. Check your license expiration date on the front of your card — it's listed as "EXP" followed by the month and year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals take seven to ten business days after the DPS processes your request. Mail renewal itself takes two to three weeks from when the DPS receives your packet, so plan for up to four weeks total. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
Yes, if you've moved within Texas, you can renew online or by mail and update your address at the same time. If you've moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office and may need to provide new proof of residency. If you've moved out of Texas permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.
What if I've changed my name since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process online or mail renewals with a name change. Bring your Social Security number and current license along with the name-change document.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal, but you can visit a DPS office to update your photo for a $10 fee if your appearance has changed significantly.
What happens if I miss the expiration date on my license?
Driving on an expired license is illegal. If you're stopped, you may receive a citation. Renew when ready — if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DPS office in person.