What TxDPS requires to renew your Texas driver's license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) handles all driver's license renewals in Texas. To renew, you need to submit proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, your Social Security number, and a new photo. You can renew in person at a TxDPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the TxDPS website if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations.
Your current Texas driver's license must not be expired by more than two years for you to renew by mail or online. If it is expired longer than that, you must renew in person. The same applies if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled — you cannot use the mail or online routes.
TxDPS charges a renewal fee that varies depending on your license type and how long you want it valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. You pay the fee when you submit your renewal, whether you go in person, by mail, or online.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license expired less than two years ago and was never suspended or revoked.
- In-person renewal at a TxDPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you have a suspension, revocation, or cancellation on your record.
- You need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Renewal fees depend on whether you choose a five-year or ten-year license, and you pay when you submit your renewal.
- Processing times vary: online renewals typically take one to two weeks, mail renewals take two to four weeks, and in-person renewals are often completed the same day.
Renewing online through the TxDPS website
Online renewal through the TxDPS website is the fastest option if you are not may be able to access for mail renewal. Go to the TxDPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. TxDPS will ask you to upload a new photo or use an existing one from your current license.
Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no active suspension or revocation, and you have not had certain violations like a DWI conviction within the past ten years. If any of these conditions explore to you, the online system will tell you that you must renew in person.
After you complete your online renewal, TxDPS will send you a temporary digital license that you can use when ready while your physical card is being printed and mailed. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks. You will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number.
Renewing by mail if you are may be able to access
Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no suspension, revocation, or disqualifying violations. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal packet from TxDPS. You can order the packet online through the TxDPS website or by calling the TxDPS Customer Service line.
Once you receive the packet, fill out the process form, gather your documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number), include a new photo or sign the form authorizing TxDPS to use your current photo, and mail everything back to the address provided in the packet along with your renewal fee. Do not send cash — use a check or money order.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. TxDPS typically processes mail renewals within two to four weeks from the date they receive your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
Renewing in person at a TxDPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, or if you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal. You can walk in to any TxDPS office during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You will also need to provide a new photo, which TxDPS will take at the office. Wear a plain, light-colored background if possible, as TxDPS has specific photo requirements.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. TxDPS will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your physical card is printed and mailed. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your physical card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of renewal.
Documents you need for any renewal method
Regardless of which renewal method you choose, TxDPS requires the same core documents. You need proof of identity, which can be your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a birth certificate. You also need proof of Texas residency, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, property tax statement, or bank statement showing your current address.
You must provide your Social Security number. TxDPS verifies this number with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can renew using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you will need to renew in person and bring additional documentation.
For the photo requirement, you can either provide a new photo or authorize TxDPS to use the photo from your current license. If you provide a new photo, it must meet TxDPS standards: a color photo taken within the past six months, showing your face clearly against a plain background, with your eyes open and looking directly at the camera. If you are renewing online or by mail, you can upload a digital photo. If you are renewing in person, TxDPS will take your photo at the office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
TxDPS charges different renewal fees depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. The exact fee depends on your age and license type, so check the TxDPS website for the current amount before you renew.
If you are renewing online, you pay by credit card or debit card during the process process. If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process packet — do not send cash. If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the TxDPS office.
Some people are not charged a renewal fee or pay a reduced fee. If you are over 85 years old, your renewal is free. If you are a military member on active duty, you may be charged a reduced fee. Ask at the TxDPS office or check the website to see if you may have access to for a fee reduction.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Texas driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must renew in person at a TxDPS office. A suspension is usually temporary and results from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DWI conviction. A revocation is more serious and typically results from multiple DWI convictions or other serious violations.
Before you can renew a suspended license, you must resolve the reason for the suspension. For example, if your license is suspended because of unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first. If it is suspended because of a DWI, you may need to complete a DWI education program or install an ignition interlock device, depending on the circumstances. Contact TxDPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.
If your license is revoked, the process is more complex. You may need to wait a certain period before you are allowed to renew, and you may need to pass a written test or driving test again. Some revocations are permanent. Contact TxDPS directly to understand your specific situation and what steps you need to take.
Processing times and when you will receive your new license
Processing times vary depending on which renewal method you choose. Online renewals are the fastest: TxDPS typically processes them within one to two weeks, and you receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use right away. Mail renewals take longer, usually two to four weeks from the date TxDPS receives your packet. In-person renewals are often completed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
Your physical license card is mailed to the address on file after your renewal is processed. It typically arrives within one to two weeks of processing. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks of your renewal date, contact TxDPS to check the status.
If you need your license before your physical card arrives, your temporary license (digital if you renewed online, or paper if you renewed in person) is valid proof of renewal and can be used to drive. You do not need to wait for the physical card to start using your renewed license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a TxDPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. TxDPS will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot.
What if I moved to a different address in Texas?
You can renew your license and update your address at the same time. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will be asked to confirm or update your address during the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, tell the TxDPS staff about your address change, and they will update it in the system. Bring proof of your new Texas residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
No. When you renew, you can choose to use the photo from your current license or provide a new one. If you want to use your current photo, you straightforward authorize TxDPS to use it during the renewal process. If you want a new photo, you can upload one online or have TxDPS take one when you renew in person.
What if I lost my current driver's license before renewing?
You can still renew even if you do not have your current license. When you renew in person, bring your proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. TxDPS will look up your license information in their system. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will need your license number, which you can find on old documents or by calling TxDPS Customer Service.
How much does a Texas driver's license renewal cost?
The renewal fee depends on your age and whether you choose a five-year or ten-year license. Check the TxDPS website for the current fee. If you are over 85 years old, renewal is free. Military members on active duty may pay a reduced fee. You pay the fee when you submit your renewal, whether online, by mail, or in person.