What documents to bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires specific documents — not just any ID or utility bill will work.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not need to bring this in person, but you will still need to verify it through their system.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A phone bill or credit card statement also works. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or current license), proof of residency from the last 90 days, and your current Texas driver's license to the DPS office.
- Texas offers three renewal methods: in person at a DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license was not suspended or revoked.
- The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most DPS locations, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Renewal fees vary depending on your license type and how long you want it valid — a standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.
- If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Walking into a DPS office with your documents is the most straightforward path. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed DL-44 form (the Texas driver's license process). You can fill this out at home or at the office — either way works.
You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. This is quick and part of the standard renewal. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not need to take a written test or a road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless the DPS officer has reason to believe you are not safe to drive.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days while the DPS mails your permanent license. Your new license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.
Renewing by mail in Texas
You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and you are not required to take a new photo. Mail renewal is available only if your last renewal was within the past 10 years and you still look like your photo.
To renew by mail, send the DPS a completed DL-44 form, your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Do not send cash.
Processing takes about four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. You will not have a temporary license during this time, so plan ahead if you need to drive. Your new license will arrive by mail when it is ready.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is still valid, you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and your license was not issued under a name change or a court order.
Visit the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). You will also upload a new photo or use your existing photo from your current license.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your temporary license will be available to print when ready, and your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. This method costs the same as in-person renewal.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
The cost of renewal depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A standard five-year license renewal costs one amount, while an eight-year renewal costs more. You can choose which length you prefer when you renew.
Texas also offers a four-year renewal option at a lower cost if you are over 85 years old or if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the DPS website or call your local office for current pricing before you go.
Your renewal fee covers the license itself and the vision test if you renew in person. There are no additional hidden charges, though some DPS offices may charge a small fee if you request a duplicate or replacement license at the same time.
What to do if your license has expired or been suspended
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means taking the written test and the road test again, just as a first-time driver would. You will also need to provide all the same documents as a renewal, plus proof that you have completed a driver's education course if you are under 25.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring all your documents plus any paperwork related to why your license was suspended (such as a court order or a letter from the DPS). The officer will review your case and tell you what steps you need to take before you can drive again.
If you are unsure whether your license is still valid or whether it has been suspended, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or check the status online through the DPS website. Knowing your status before you go to the office saves time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state instead. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but you cannot renew it.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You will need to get a duplicate license first before you can renew. Visit a DPS office in person with your proof of identity and proof of residency. The DPS will issue you a duplicate, and then you can renew it at the same time if you wish. You will pay separate fees for the duplicate and the renewal.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If you renew in person, you will get a new photo. If you renew by mail, you can keep your old photo if you still look like it. If you renew online, you can choose to upload a new photo or keep your existing one.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. This gives you time to drive while the DPS mails your permanent license. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.
What if I need my license before it arrives in the mail?
If you renewed in person or online, you received a temporary paper license when ready. If you renewed by mail, you will not have a temporary license, so plan your renewal well in advance. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, you can visit a DPS office and request a duplicate with a rush fee.