How to renew your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not changing your address, your license is not expired by more than two years, and you have a valid Texas license number. By mail works for the same situations but takes longer. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, you are changing your address, or you want to add or remove endorsements like a motorcycle rating.
Texas does not charge a separate renewal fee for online or mail renewal — you pay only when you renew in person at a DPS office. The in-person fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, typically ranging from $16 to $27 for a standard four-year renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is current or expired less than two years, you are not changing your address, and you have a valid Texas license number.
- Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online but takes two to three weeks; you will receive a temporary paper license while your new card is being printed.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, you are moving, or you want to change license class or add endorsements.
- You will need your Social Security number, current Texas license number, and a valid email address to renew online; mail renewal requires the same information plus a check or money order.
- Your renewed license will be valid for four years from the renewal date, or longer if you are over 85 years old.
Documents and information you need for online or mail renewal
For online renewal, have your current Texas driver's license number and your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid email address where DPS can send your confirmation. The entire process takes about 10 minutes on the DPS website.
For mail renewal, you need the same information plus a check or money order for the renewal fee. You will mail these along with a completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver's License) to the address provided by DPS. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required.
Both methods require that your address on file with DPS is still correct. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What you need for in-person renewal at a DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, even if it is expired. You will also need to prove your identity and residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a certificate of U.S. citizenship. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
For proof of residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Texas.
Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. You will have your photo taken at the office, so plan for that. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for four years.
When your Texas license expires and renewal important date
Your Texas driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Most standard licenses expire on your birthday four years after you received or last renewed them. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is valid for eight years instead of four.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush or to make sure they have a valid license for travel. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the method depends on how long ago it 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.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.
How long renewal takes and when you get your new license
Online renewal is the fastest: your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive an email confirmation when ready after you complete the transaction. You do not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you will need to use your old license.
Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process. When you mail in your renewal, DPS will send you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. You can use this temporary license to drive while you wait for your permanent card.
In-person renewal is the slowest for getting your physical card but the fastest for being able to drive. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days, and your permanent card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive when ready, the temporary license is valid right away.
Renewing a license that has been suspended or revoked
If your Texas license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard online or mail process. You must visit a DPS office in person and resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DWI conviction.
Contact DPS or visit the DPS website to find out why your license is suspended or revoked. Once you have resolved the issue — paid fines, completed a required course, or met other conditions — you can renew in person. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue, such as a receipt showing payment or a certificate of completion.
The renewal process itself is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but you may face additional requirements depending on the reason for the suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for a DWI, you may need to show proof of completion of a DWI education program.
Changing your address, name, or license class during renewal
If you are moving to a new address in Texas, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days) along with your identity and current license.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document proving the change along with your identity documents. You can renew in person and update your name at the same time. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
If you want to change your license class (for example, from a Class C to a Class B) or add an endorsement like a motorcycle rating, you must renew in person. You may need to pass a written test or a driving test depending on the change you are requesting. Ask the DPS office what tests are required before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need a Social Security number to renew online or by mail. If you do not have one, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other acceptable identity document. Call your local DPS office to ask what documents they will accept in place of a Social Security number.
What happens if I let my license expire for more than two years?
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring all required identity and residency documents, and be prepared to have a new photo taken. You will receive a temporary license on the spot.
Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license in Texas?
No, a standard renewal does not require a driving test or written test. However, if you are changing your license class, adding a motorcycle endorsement, or renewing after a suspension, you may need to pass a test. Ask DPS when you schedule your in-person appointment.
Can I renew my license online if I have moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Texas resident, you can renew by mail or online as long as your Texas address is still on file.
What if my temporary paper license expires before my new card arrives?
If you renewed by mail or in person and received a temporary paper license, it is valid for 45 days. If your permanent card has not arrived by then, contact DPS to check on the status. In most cases, your card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If there is a delay, DPS can issue you another temporary license.