How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas Driver's License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements — it takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit, though wait times vary by location.

Your renewal method depends on when your license expires, whether you have changed your name or address, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person and pass a vision test and written exam.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your name or address.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process for Texas Driver License or ID (Form DL-43), and payment to the DPS address listed on the form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, and you will need to pass a vision test.
A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence and a Social Security number, and cannot be renewed online or by mail.
Renewal fees range from $16 to $32 depending on the license type and validity period you choose.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license expired within the last two years, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need a Real ID-compliant license. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License Online," and follow the prompts to verify your identity using your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

During the online process, you will be asked to confirm your address and choose your license validity period — four years ($16) or eight years ($32). You will pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number to track your license status on the DPS website.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, do not attempt to renew online again — this usually means you need to visit a DPS office or use mail renewal instead. Common reasons for ineligibility include a name change, address change, or a license that has been expired for more than two years.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Mailing Address

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials. You will need to send your current driver's license, a completed process for Texas Driver License or ID (Form DL-43), and your payment. You can read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website or request it by mail. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail your materials to the address listed on Form DL-43. The address varies depending on your county of residence, so check the form carefully before you mail. Include a return address on your envelope. The DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file with your process. If you have moved recently, update your address on the form before you mail it, or your license will arrive at your old address.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license is that old, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

Visit a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a Real ID-compliant license, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

At the office, you will pass a vision test. If your vision does not meet the standard without correction, you may be required to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving, and this will be noted on your license. You will not take a written exam unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you are renewing a commercial license. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have walk-in service; others require an appointment. Check the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available. If you do not have an appointment and the office is full, you may be turned away and asked to return another day.

Real ID Renewal: Additional Requirements

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Proof of citizenship includes a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Proof of lawful presence includes a permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. Proof of residency is a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses ($16 for four years, $32 for eight years) but take longer to process because the DPS must verify your citizenship or lawful presence documents. Your Real ID license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days and will have a gold star in the upper right corner.

Fees, Validity Periods, and Payment Methods

Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on the validity period you choose. A four-year license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you must pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.

Choose the validity period that works for you. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. A four-year license is cheaper but requires renewal more often. If you are over 85 years old, your license is valid for four years only, regardless of which option you choose.

What to Do If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Two Years

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person, pass a vision test, and pass a written exam on traffic laws and road signs. Bring your current (expired) driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The written exam covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will have a limited number of attempts to pass — usually three. If you fail, you will need to return to the office and pay the renewal fee again to take the exam. Study materials are available on the Texas DPS website. The exam is given in English and Spanish.

Processing time is the same as standard in-person renewal: your license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you pass the exam and pay the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I have changed my address?

If you changed your address within the last two years and your license has not expired, you can renew online and update your address during the process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, update your address on the process form or tell the DPS employee at the office. If your address change was more than two years ago, you must renew in person.

What happens if I renew online but my license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the Texas DPS with your confirmation number. The DPS will issue a replacement license at no charge if the error was their mistake. If the license was damaged in the mail, the DPS may ask you to return it before issuing a replacement.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Texas driver's license?

If you renew online or by mail, the DPS will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will have a new photo taken. You cannot request a new photo if you renew online or by mail.

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want to make sure your license is current, or if you want to change your address or name before your license expires.

What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

You can request a duplicate license at a DPS office while you wait for your renewal to arrive. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. A duplicate costs $11 and is mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait.

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.