What you need to bring to the DPS office
Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license or ID card to renew in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address — it must be dated within the last 90 days.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $33 for a standard five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license as of 2024, though fees can change.
If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years, the DPS may require you to pass the vision test and written exam again, even though you are renewing rather than explore new. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number or card.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office in Texas without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, paid at the office by cash, check, or card.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will take the vision test and written exam again, not just renew.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect
The Texas DPS operates driver license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to schedule an appointment — you can walk in during business hours and wait your turn.
Wait times depend on the office location and the time of day. Rural offices typically have shorter waits than urban ones. Early morning, mid-week visits usually mean less waiting than afternoons or Fridays. If you want to check wait times before you go, some DPS offices post current wait times on their individual office pages, though not all do.
The renewal process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. The clerk will check your documents, take your photo and signature, collect your fee, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew in person and must use the mail
You can renew by mail only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and only if you are renewing before it expires or within two years of expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person because the DPS requires a new photo and may require you to retake the vision and written tests.
If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to visit an office, or if you are homebound, contact your local DPS office to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for a mobile unit to visit certain locations, though availability varies by region and is not may provide.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it in person or by mail. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a DWI conviction. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you must do to clear it.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at any DPS office. Bring proof that the issue has been resolved — for example, a receipt showing fines paid, a court document, or a letter from the agency that imposed the suspension. The DPS will verify the clearance in their system, but having the document with you speeds up the process.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal
Texas driver's licenses issued after January 22, 2018, are Real ID compliant by default. If you are renewing a license issued before that date, you can choose to upgrade to a Real ID license or keep a standard license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport.
If you want a Real ID license, bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus one additional document showing your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form. The fee is the same: $33 for five years or $66 for eight years. If you do not want Real ID, you can still renew a standard license, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.
Renewing if you have changed your name or address
If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change. The DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name. If you have changed your name but not yet updated your Social Security card, bring the Social Security card in your old name and the document showing the name change; the DPS will process the renewal and you can update Social Security separately.
What to do if you lose your temporary paper license before the plastic arrives
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving for 7 to 10 business days while your plastic license is in the mail. If you lose it, you can return to the DPS office and request a replacement temporary license. Bring your proof of identity and residency again. There is no extra fee for a replacement temporary license.
If your plastic license arrives and you have already lost the temporary, you can start using the plastic license when ready. If the plastic license is lost or damaged in the mail, contact the DPS to report it and request a replacement. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and takes another 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, not by mail or straightforward renewal. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and retake the vision test and written exam. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal, so bring all the same documents you would for a first-time license.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the DPS?
No. Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins during business hours. You do not need to schedule ahead. Wait times vary by office and time of day, but you can check the DPS website to see if your local office posts current wait times.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport for proof of identity?
You can use a consulate ID, military ID, or other government-issued ID that shows your name and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what other documents they will accept. You may need to bring multiple documents together to prove your identity.
How long does it take to get my plastic license after I renew in person?
Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving when ready, so you do not have to wait to drive legally.
What if my address on my current license is wrong?
Bring proof of your current address dated within the last 90 days — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra cost during the renewal process.