How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through TxDOT

What TxDOT handles and where to renew

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) manages driver's license renewal in Texas through its Driver License Division. You can renew your license in three ways: online through the TxDOT website, by mail, or in person at a TxDOT office. Which method works for you depends on how much time you have left before expiration and whether your license qualifies for online or mail renewal.

Not every license can be renewed the same way. If you have a REAL ID license, certain restrictions, medical conditions on your record, or an address change, you may need to renew in person. If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must visit a TxDOT office.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online if your license is not expired, you have no restrictions, and your address has not changed, but you must do this before expiration.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only for standard licenses without REAL ID, restrictions, or address changes.
In-person renewal at a TxDOT office is required if your license is expired, if you have a REAL ID, or if your address has changed.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
TxDOT offices do not require an appointment in most locations, but wait times vary widely by office and time of day.

Online renewal through the TxDOT website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license qualifies. You can renew online at txdps.texas.gov if your license is still valid (not expired), you have no restrictions or endorsements, your address is the same, and you do not have a REAL ID. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.

You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. TxDOT will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can pay extra for expedited mail, though this is not may provide to arrive by a specific date.

If your online renewal is denied, the website will tell you why and direct you to renew by mail or in person instead. Do not ignore this message—attempting to renew again online will not change the outcome.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

Mail renewal works for standard (non-REAL ID) licenses that are not expired and have no restrictions. You will need to print the renewal form from the TxDOT website or request one by mail. The form is called the process for Texas Driver License (Form DL-44). Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), and proof of residency.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current address. Mail everything to the TxDOT address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after TxDOT receives your packet, and your new license will arrive by mail afterward.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office. However, if TxDOT finds a problem with your process—a missing document, incorrect fee, or signature issue—they will return it to you, and you will lose time. Double-check everything before mailing.

In-person renewal at a TxDOT office

You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years, if you have a REAL ID, if your address has changed, or if you have restrictions or medical conditions on your record. In-person renewal also applies if you need to change your name, update your photo, or correct information on your license.

Bring your current license (or expired license if you are renewing after expiration), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency is the same as for mail renewal: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

Most TxDOT offices do not require an appointment. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. Some offices are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week. Check the TxDOT website to find your nearest office and its hours. You will pay the same fee as online or mail renewal at the office, and you can usually leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What documents you need for any renewal method

The documents required depend on your situation, but most renewals need at least three things. First, bring your current driver's license or state ID. If your license is expired, bring the expired license itself—do not leave it at home. Second, bring proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current address.

Third, bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring both your old and new proof of residency. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you will also need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two forms of identification.

Do not bring originals of important documents like your birth certificate or passport unless you are renewing a REAL ID in person. TxDOT will not return them. Bring copies instead, or bring the originals only if you are prepared to leave them with TxDOT.

Renewal fees and how long it takes

Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though fees can change. If you renew online or by mail, pay by check or money order (mail renewal) or by credit or debit card (online renewal). At a TxDOT office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Timing depends on your method. Online renewal is when ready—you receive confirmation when ready, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus mail delivery time, so plan for four to five weeks total. In-person renewal is fastest for getting a temporary license on the spot (valid for 45 days), but your permanent license still arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expires before your new one arrives, the temporary paper license or your old license is still valid until your new license reaches you. Do not panic if the timing is tight—TxDOT accounts for mail delays.

When you cannot use online or mail renewal

Several situations require in-person renewal at a TxDOT office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail—you must go in person. If you have a REAL ID license, you must renew in person because TxDOT needs to verify your citizenship documents face-to-face. If your address has changed since your last license, in-person renewal is required.

You also must renew in person if your license has restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), if you have medical conditions noted on your record, if you need to change your name, or if you want to update your photo. If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, child support obligation, or other hold on your license, TxDOT may require in-person renewal as well. The online system will tell you if you are not may be able to access and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, but how depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a TxDOT office. Bring your expired license with you.

How do I know if I have a REAL ID license?

Look at your license. If it has a gold star in the upper right corner, it is a REAL ID. REAL ID licenses must be renewed in person. If your license does not have the star, it is a standard license and can be renewed online or by mail if you meet other requirements.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You must renew in person at a TxDOT office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your old address (your current license) and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail.

Do I need an appointment at a TxDOT office?

Most TxDOT offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the TxDOT website for your nearest office and consider visiting early in the morning or mid-week to avoid peak times.

What happens if I mail in my renewal and TxDOT rejects it?

TxDOT will mail your packet back to you with a letter explaining what was missing or incorrect. You will then need to correct the problem and remail it, or visit a TxDOT office in person. This adds weeks to your renewal time, so review all documents carefully before mailing.

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.