How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DPS office, depending on how much time is left before yours expires and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you never leave home. By mail takes two to three weeks. In person at a DPS office is fastest if you need a new photo or have a medical condition that requires it.

Your choice depends on three things: how soon your license expires, whether your address or name has changed, and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office and take the written test and vision test again. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you have all three routes open.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, takes 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years, you have not had a name change, and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order to the DPS.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and pass the written and vision tests again.
Texas charges a $1 late fee for each month your license was expired, up to $25 total, if you renew after expiration.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route for Most People

Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and select "Driver License Online Services." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you whether you are allowed to renew online. If you are, you will pay by credit card or debit card and choose your license term: four years for $16 or eight years for $32.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can keep driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed, update it before you start the online renewal — the new license will be sent to the address you enter during the transaction. If you need to change your name, you cannot do it online; you must renew by mail or in person and provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have an outstanding warrant or child support obligation. The system will tell you when ready if you do not meet the requirements.

Mail Renewal: When You Have Time

Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or read form DL-44 from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $16 (four years) or $32 (eight years) to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope if you want your old license back.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form. If you are changing your address, make sure it is correct on the process. If you are changing your name, you must include a certified copy of the document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your process and payment.

Mail renewal is a good option if you do not need a new photo, your address and name have not changed, and your license expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS will reject your mail process and send it back with a notice that you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

Visit your local DPS driver license office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will also take the written knowledge test. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Bring proof of your name change if you have one — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office and whether you paid extra for a rush.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go. Many offices are busiest on Fridays and at the end of the month. Some offices let you schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago

You cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person, bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and payment, and you will take both the written test and the vision test. You will also get a new photo. The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to pass both tests to get your new license.

Study materials are free on the DPS website. You can take practice tests online or read the Texas Driver Handbook as a PDF. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee for retakes.

Late Fees and Expired License Penalties

If you renew after your license has expired, Texas charges a late fee of $1 for each month it was expired, up to a maximum of $25. This fee is added to your renewal cost. For example, if your license expired six months ago and you renew online, you will pay $16 (renewal) plus $6 (late fee) for a total of $22.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process (a receipt from online renewal or a mailed process with tracking), but that does not may provide you will not be cited. It is safer to renew before your license expires.

Address and Name Changes During Renewal

If you are moving, update your address during the renewal process. For online renewal, enter your new address when you complete the transaction. For mail renewal, write your new address on form DL-44. For in-person renewal, bring a proof-of-residency document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.

If you have changed your name, you must provide a certified copy of the document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document. Online renewal does not allow name changes; you must renew by mail or in person. The DPS will not accept a photocopy or a document that is not certified. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the county clerk's office or the court that issued the document and request one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You cannot renew in person at a DPS office unless you are physically in Texas. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to come to Texas to renew in person, or you can contact the DPS to ask about options for military members or people living overseas.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

The DPS mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery by mail takes an additional 3 to 7 days depending on where you live. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DPS.

What if I need a new license before my renewal arrives?

You can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive by mail. The paper license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving and identification. There is no additional fee.

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

Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo will be used. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will get a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you can visit a DPS office to update your photo separately for a $5 fee.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew. This may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance.

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.