What documents to bring to the Texas DPS office
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license or ID card to renew in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category, and you must bring at least one from each.
For proof of identity, bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, or a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will not need to bring physical documents — the DPS will verify your identity against their records.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works. The document must show your current Texas address and your name.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, one proof of identity, and one proof of residency dated within 60 days to renew in person at a DPS office.
- Texas offers online renewal for standard licenses if you have no medical conditions, no address changes, and your license is not suspended.
- Mail renewal is available but takes longer — expect 15 to 20 business days from the time DPS receives your process.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
- If your license is suspended, expired for more than two years, or you have a medical condition, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with your documents and complete the renewal on the spot. Bring your current license, one proof of identity, and one proof of residency. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations now use an online check-in system. Before you go, visit the DPS website and enter your zip code to find your nearest office and see whether it requires you to check in online first. If it does, you can reserve a time slot up to 30 days ahead.
Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person.
Online renewal through the DPS website
You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and your license expired less than two years ago. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.
Log into your account on the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Answer the renewal questions, review your information, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can show on your phone. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not have an online account, you can create one during the renewal process. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number to set up the account.
Mail renewal by sending documents to DPS
You can mail your renewal process to the Texas DPS if you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no suspension, no address change, no medical conditions, and your license expired less than two years ago. read the DL-44 form from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for $25 or $50 (depending on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license) to the address listed on the form.
Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days. Do not send your current license unless the form specifically asks for it. Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days from the time DPS receives your process, so plan ahead if you need your license by a certain date.
Keep a record of when you mailed your process. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received it.
When you must renew in person at a DPS office
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have changed your address, or if you have a medical condition that DPS needs to evaluate (such as vision problems or a seizure disorder).
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or update your gender marker.
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or child support, you will need to resolve those issues before DPS will renew it. Contact the court or the Texas Attorney General's office to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
Fees and what affects the cost
A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so the per-year cost is lower.
If you renew in person, you pay the fee at the DPS office when you complete your process. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card (online) or check or money order (mail). No additional fees explore for standard renewals.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is $11 instead of $25 or $50. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you may need to renew in person, and the fee depends on whether you are also extending the license term.
What happens after you renew
If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can use it right away. If you renew online, you get a temporary digital license on your phone that is valid while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail. If you renew by mail, you will have to wait for your new license to arrive before you can use it.
Your old license is no longer valid once your new one is issued. If you renew online or by mail and receive your new license before your old one expires, you can destroy the old one or keep it for your records — it has no legal value once the new one arrives.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the DPS. Have your process confirmation number or the date you applied ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other renewal conditions. You do not need to be in Texas to renew. If you cannot use mail or online renewal, you will need to visit a DPS office in Texas in person.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other document dated within 60 days that shows your current address and name.
How long does a renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?
Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days from the time the DPS receives your process. Mailing time to and from the DPS office is not included in that estimate, so plan for three to four weeks total. Online renewal is faster — your physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew if my license has been suspended?
No. You must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the suspension or the Texas Attorney General's office to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a DPS office.
What if I need to change my name on my license when I renew?
You must renew in person at a DPS office if you are changing your name. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal.