How to Renew Your Texas Driver License Through TXDPS

What TXDPS Requires to Renew Your Texas Driver License

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) handles all driver license renewals in Texas. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a TXDPS office, but which method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update information. Most Texas drivers renew online through the TXDPS website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

Before you start, check your current license to see your expiration date and license class. TXDPS sends renewal reminders 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a TXDPS office in person and take the written test and vision screening again.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the TXDPS website is the fastest option for most drivers and costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have a commercial driver license (CDL).
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photograph or personal information.
TXDPS offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location — check the office locator on the TXDPS website before you go.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after TXDPS processes your renewal.

Online Renewal Through the TXDPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common path. Go to the TXDPS driver license renewal page, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. The system will show your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct. If your address, name, or other details have changed, you cannot use online renewal — you must go in person.

After you confirm your information, you will choose your license term (four or eight years) and pay the fee by credit card or debit card. TXDPS will send you a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired by more than two years, if you hold a commercial driver license, if you are under 18, or if you need a new photograph. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal: When It Works and What to Send

Mail renewal is slower than online but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail only if your license is current (not expired), you do not need to update your photograph, and you do not need to change your name, address, or other personal information. If any of those conditions do not explore, use online renewal or go in person instead.

To renew by mail, print the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the TXDPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, so send your process well before your license expires.

Keep a copy of your process and the tracking number from your mailing receipt. If TXDPS does not receive your renewal within six weeks, contact the TXDPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

In-Person Renewal at a TXDPS Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you hold a commercial driver license, if you are under 18, if you need a new photograph, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information. Bring your current license (or expired license if it is less than two years past expiration), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

Find your nearest TXDPS office using the office locator on the TXDPS website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Bring cash or a debit card to pay the renewal fee. At the office, you will have your photograph taken, pass a vision screening, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the TXDPS driver manual, available free on the TXDPS website.

Fees, Processing Times, and What Comes Next

The renewal fee depends on your license term. A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. If you renew online or by mail, you pay when you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, you pay at the office. TXDPS accepts cash, debit card, and credit card at offices; online and mail renewals accept credit card and debit card only.

Processing times vary by method. Online renewal is when ready — you receive a confirmation number when ready and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date TXDPS receives your process. In-person renewal is the fastest for getting a temporary document — you can request a paper temporary license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you move before it arrives, do not open mail addressed to your old address — contact TXDPS to update your mailing address and have the license reissued. You can use your old license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is trying to renew online when your information has changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or need a new photograph, the online system will reject your renewal. Go in person instead — do not waste time trying online first.

A second mistake is sending cash by mail. TXDPS will not process your renewal if you include cash, and your process will be delayed. Send a check or money order only.

A third mistake is not checking whether your license has been expired for more than two years. If it has, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go in person and take the written test. Check your expiration date before you start the renewal process.

Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew. TXDPS recommends renewing 60 days before expiration. If you renew after your license expires, you may face delays, and if it has been expired for more than two years, you will have to take the test again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, not by mail or online. You must go to a TXDPS office in person. You will need to take the written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and have a new photograph taken. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Go to a TXDPS office in person and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You will have a new photograph taken and receive a new license with your updated address.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after TXDPS processes your renewal. If you renew in person, you can request a paper temporary license valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent license.

Can I renew my commercial driver license online?

No. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a TXDPS office. You will need to pass a vision screening and medical examination, and you may need to take a written test depending on your license class and endorsements.

What if TXDPS does not receive my mail renewal?

Keep the tracking number from your mailing receipt. If your renewal does not arrive within six weeks, call TXDPS customer service at 1-888-589-6789 with your tracking number and driver license number. They can check whether your process was received and help you resubmit if needed.

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.