The documents and steps to renew in Texas

To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Texas also requires you to pass a vision test and pay a renewal fee. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing by mail, online, or in person — and not all renewal methods are available to everyone.

Most people renew online or by mail without visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you haven't changed your address, name, or other information on your license, and your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew without going in person. If you do need to visit an office, you'll need the documents listed below plus your current license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one form of primary ID (passport, birth certificate, or consulate document) and one form of residency proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to renew in person.
  • Online renewal is available if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no address changes, and you have a valid email address on file with DPS.
  • Mail renewal requires the same documents as in-person renewal and takes longer, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.
  • The vision test can only be done in person or through an approved online vendor; you cannot skip it or have someone else take it for you.
  • Renewal fees in Texas vary by license type and validity period, and you must pay before your license expires to avoid late fees.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

If you renew at a DPS office, bring your current Texas driver's license, one primary identity document, and one residency document. Primary identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consulate ID card, or permanent resident card. If you don't have one of these, you can bring two secondary documents instead — such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or military discharge papers.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you've moved recently and don't have a document in your name yet, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email. DPS will not accept a document with a different address than the one you're registering.

You'll also need to know your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though DPS can verify the number without it. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online through the official Texas DPS website if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no address changes to make, and your email address is on file with DPS. You'll need to pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot take the vision test online through the standard renewal process. Instead, DPS will waive the vision test if you renew online and meet all other requirements. This waiver is only available for online renewal — if you renew by mail or in person, you must pass a vision test at a DPS office or through an approved third-party vendor.

If your email address is not on file or you're unsure, log into your DPS account or call the DPS customer service line to check. You can also update your email address before you start the renewal process.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require a trip to a DPS office. You'll need to send in your current license, a completed renewal process (Form DL-44 or DL-43, depending on your situation), proof of identity, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. DPS will mail you instructions on which form to use when you request a mail renewal packet.

Mail renewal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your documents. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website to carry while you wait. Plan to mail your renewal at least 6 weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.

You will still need to pass a vision test, even when renewing by mail. DPS will schedule you for a vision test appointment at a local DPS office after they receive your process. You'll receive a notice in the mail with the date and time. If you miss the appointment, your renewal will be delayed.

Vision test requirements

Texas requires all license renewals to include a vision test, with limited exceptions. The test checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your appointment. If you fail the test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and this restriction will appear on your license.

You can take the vision test at any DPS office during regular business hours. Some DPS offices offer online vision tests through approved vendors, which you can complete from home. Check the DPS website to see if your local office offers this option. If you take the test online, you'll still need to visit a DPS office to complete the rest of your renewal and pay the fee.

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from taking a standard vision test, you can request an alternative test. Contact your local DPS office to discuss your situation and find out what documentation you'll need to bring.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Texas renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more than standard licenses. You can find the exact fee for your license type on the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.

You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts all payment methods. If you pay by check or money order, make it out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

If your license expires before you renew, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee increases the longer your license remains expired. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this extra cost.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you've changed your name, if you need to update your address, or if your license has been expired more than two years. You also must renew in person if you want to change your gender marker or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license for the first time.

If you're over 79 years old, Texas requires you to renew in person every two years instead of every five or eight years. Bring all the documents listed above, plus your current license. You'll take the vision test and a written test about traffic laws at the DPS office.

If you're unsure whether you can renew online or by mail, check the DPS website or call your local DPS office before you start the process. It's faster to confirm your may be able to access than to begin a renewal and find out halfway through that you need to visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but you cannot drive legally with an expired license. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it through the normal process. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test. Renew as soon as possible to avoid driving with an expired license.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can bring two secondary identity documents instead of one primary document. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, W-2 form, military discharge papers, or a notarized affidavit. DPS will accept any combination of two documents that together prove your identity and Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll receive a temporary license to carry when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

Not for online renewal — your photo from your current license will be used. For mail and in-person renewal, DPS will take a new photo at the office or use your existing photo if you renew by mail. You cannot bring your own photo; DPS takes all renewal photos in-house.

What if I move to a different address before my license expires?

You must update your address within 30 days of moving. You cannot do this through online renewal — you must visit a DPS office or renew by mail and include your new address on the process. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days). Your new license will show your updated address.