What You Need to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Documents and information you must bring

Texas requires you to bring specific documents to your renewal appointment. You will need your current Texas driver's license, a document proving your identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need proof of your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the document, plus your ID.

Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it — the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) prefers to see the original. If you do not have your card, a W-2, 1099, or recent tax return showing your full Social Security number will work instead.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Texas address dated within 60 days.
Texas allows you to renew by mail if you are between 18 and 84 years old, have no medical conditions on your record, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes, while mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process.
The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for a six-year license; you cannot choose the length — it depends on your age and license type.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, but you cannot renew after it has expired without taking the written test again.

Renewing by mail versus in person

Texas offers two renewal routes: by mail or in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal is faster in terms of your time spent, but the total calendar time is longer. To renew by mail, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, have no medical conditions flagged on your current license, and have no active suspension or revocation. You will mail your current license, the required documents, the completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License), and payment to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your packet.

In-person renewal happens at any Texas DPS office. You bring the same documents, fill out the DL-44 form at the office, pay the fee, and usually leave with your new license the same day or within a few days. The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or walk in during office hours, though walk-ins may have longer wait times.

If you are 85 or older, have a medical condition on your record, or have a suspension or revocation, you must renew in person. You cannot use the mail route.

Fees and license length

The renewal fee depends on the length of your new license. A four-year license costs $61; a six-year license costs $97. You do not choose the length — Texas assigns it based on your age. If you are under 85, you will receive a six-year license. If you are 85 or older, you will receive a four-year license. Fees do not vary by county or office.

Payment methods accepted at DPS offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — credit and debit cards are not accepted by mail.

Timeline for renewal and expiration rules

You can renew your Texas license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can start the renewal process as early as June 15, 2024. Renewing early does not shorten your new license — your new expiration date will be six years (or four years if you are 85 or older) from the date DPS issues the new license.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail or through the standard in-person renewal process. You must take the written test, vision test, and photo again, which is treated as a new process rather than a renewal. This takes longer and costs more. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you may be able to renew without retesting — check the DPS website or call your local office to confirm. If it expired more than two years ago, you will definitely need to retake the tests.

What happens after you submit your renewal

If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, you will not receive a temporary license — your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS processes your process.

DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided on your process. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address through the DPS website or at an office, and they will remail it to your new address at no extra cost.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is bringing an address document dated more than 60 days old. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must be current. If your bill is older, bring a recent one or use a different document type that is current.

Another frequent mistake is not bringing the original Social Security card when you have one. While other documents work, DPS prefers the original, and having it speeds up processing. If you have lost your card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment — it takes about two weeks.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it expires, you lose the option to renew by mail and must retake the written and vision tests. Renewing within the one-year window before expiration is always simpler and faster.

If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is required — a verbal explanation or informal document will not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Texas law requires proof of a Social Security number to renew. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can renew your license. This process takes several weeks.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You can still renew by mail or in person. Bring the same documents as usual, but instead of your current license, bring a police report of the loss or a signed affidavit stating that your license was lost. DPS will process your renewal normally.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online reduces wait time. You can walk into any DPS office during business hours without an appointment, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

What if my address proof is in someone else's name?

Bring the document in their name plus a signed affidavit from that person stating that you live at that address. The affidavit must be notarized or signed in front of a DPS employee at the office.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for six years from the date DPS issues it, or four years if you are 85 or older at the time of renewal. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

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.