Documents and information you must bring to renew

To renew your Texas driver's license in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Texas also requires you to pass a vision test at the time of renewal. If your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online instead — but the in-person route is the most straightforward if your license is older or you need to update information.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not require you to retake the written knowledge test or driving test during renewal unless your license was suspended, revoked, or you are renewing after a long lapse. If you are over 85 years old, you must renew in person every two years instead of every eight.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Texas driver's license, one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and one proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) to any DPS office.
  • You will take a vision test at the DPS office; bring glasses or contacts if you use them to drive.
  • If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office.
  • Renewal by mail costs less than in-person renewal and takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but available only if you meet specific conditions.
  • If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must renew in person and may need to show proof of insurance or completion of a defensive driving course.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The vision test happens on-site and takes a few minutes. You will pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though fees may change) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new card is mailed to you.

Bring glasses or contacts if you wear them while driving — the vision test must match your actual driving conditions. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a corrective lens restriction form before your license is issued.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Fridays and the last week of the month. You can check wait times for your local office on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Renewing by mail if your license is recent enough

If your Texas driver's license expired less than two years ago and you have not had any suspensions or revocations, you can renew by mail without visiting a DPS office. Request a renewal process from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Mail your completed process, current license, and check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You will not take a vision test by mail, so if your vision has changed significantly, you may want to renew in person instead so the DPS can document your current vision status.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option but only works if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your new card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal: $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Texas driver's license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, plus any documents the DPS letter told you to bring — this often includes proof of insurance (an SR-22 form if you were suspended for a traffic violation or DUI) or a certificate of completion from a defensive driving course.

The DPS will check your driving record before issuing a new license. If the suspension or revocation has not been lifted, your renewal will be denied and you will be told what steps you must take before you can renew. This might include paying a reinstatement fee, waiting out a suspension period, or completing court-ordered requirements.

Updating your address, name, or other information during renewal

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your height, eye color, or other information on your license, you can do this during renewal. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of your new address or name change (a utility bill for address, a marriage certificate or court order for name). For mail renewal, include a copy of the proof document with your process.

If you are renewing online and need to change your address, you can update it during the online process. Name changes and other updates must be done in person at a DPS office.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs the same as mail or online renewal. If you are over 85, you must renew every two years, and the fee is $25 for a two-year license.

If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may owe an additional reinstatement fee on top of the renewal fee. This fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension — typically $100 to $300 — and must be paid before your license is issued. Ask the DPS office or check your suspension letter for the exact amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will take a vision test and pay the renewal fee.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?

No, you do not need to retake the written knowledge test or driving test during a standard renewal. You only take a vision test. If your license was suspended or revoked, the DPS may require additional steps before renewal, but not the written test.

What counts as proof of residency in Texas?

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and address. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency.

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

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your new card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail, it takes two to three weeks total. Online renewal is fastest — you get a temporary license when ready and the card arrives within one to two weeks.

What if I need my license before the new card arrives?

The temporary paper license you receive at in-person renewal or online renewal is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of a valid license. If you need your license sooner than the card arrives, you can use the temporary license for that 30-day period.