Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also requires you to pass a vision test and provide your signature. If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to retake the written test as well.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Your name on the document must match the name on your process. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document issued by a government agency that shows your number. If you don't have your Social Security number memorized, having one of these documents with you speeds up the process.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number to any DPS office.
- You will pass a vision test and provide your signature during the renewal appointment, so you cannot renew entirely by mail or online unless you meet specific conditions.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must retake the written knowledge test in addition to the vision test.
- Name changes require a legal document like a marriage certificate or court order; bring the original or a certified copy.
- DPS offices accept appointments through their website, and walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location.
When you can renew by mail instead of in person
Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your record since your last renewal. You also cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that need updating.
If you meet all these conditions, you can request a mail renewal form from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. You will still need to pay the renewal fee and return the form with your current license. The new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks after DPS processes your request.
Most people do not meet all the conditions for mail renewal, so in-person renewal at a DPS office is the standard path. Check the DPS website to see if your situation qualifies before making a trip.
Fees and how long renewal takes
A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you are 85 or older, a five-year renewal costs $10. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from check-in to photo and signature, depending on how busy the office is that day. You will receive your temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. During that time, the paper license is valid for driving.
Mail renewal takes longer overall—typically four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your form to when the new license arrives. If your current license is about to expire, in-person renewal is faster because you walk out with proof of a valid license the same day.
What to do if your license is expired by more than two years
If your Texas license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will need to take the written knowledge test, the vision test, and provide all the same documents as a new applicant.
Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any documents showing name changes. You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing. The fee for a new license is $25 for a five-year license, the same as renewal.
Schedule an appointment at your local DPS office through their website to avoid a long wait. Walk-ins are accepted but may face delays, especially in urban areas.
How to schedule an appointment or find your nearest DPS office
The Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov has an online appointment scheduler. You can choose your preferred office location and time slot up to 60 days in advance. Appointments are free and typically available within one to two weeks, though this varies by location and season.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, you can reach DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about what documents you need. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
Walk-ins are accepted at all DPS offices during business hours, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
Special situations: Military, name changes, and address updates
If you are active-duty military stationed outside Texas, you may be able to renew by mail even if you have an address change. Contact DPS directly at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about military renewal options.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. The document must be an original or certified copy; photocopies are not accepted.
If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can update your address during renewal without extra paperwork. straightforward provide your new address when you renew. If you have moved out of Texas, you will need to follow that state's license requirements instead.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After your in-person appointment, DPS will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. This paper license is good until your plastic card arrives by mail. Keep it with you while driving, as it is your proof of a valid license.
Your new plastic license will arrive within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive after four weeks, contact DPS to check the status. Occasionally, mail is delayed or an address issue causes a card to be returned to DPS.
Once your new license arrives, destroy the paper temporary license. You do not need to return it to DPS. Your old expired license can also be discarded unless you want to keep it for personal records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state now?
No. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Texas but moved to a new address, you can renew and update your address at the same time during your appointment.
What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have another document with my number?
You can still renew, but you will need to provide your Social Security number verbally at your appointment. Bring a document that shows your name and address instead, such as a utility bill or bank statement. DPS can verify your number through other means if you cannot produce a document.
Do I need to take the vision test if I already wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. You must pass the vision test at your appointment, whether you wear corrective lenses or not. Bring your glasses or contacts with you if you use them for driving, because the test is done with your normal vision correction in place.
What if my appointment time doesn't work and I need to cancel?
You can cancel or reschedule through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Cancellations are free, and you can book a new time slot when ready. Walk-ins are always accepted if you cannot make an appointment work.
Will my new license have a different number than my old one?
No. Your license number stays the same during renewal. DPS uses the same number to keep your driving record linked to your identity, so your new card will have the same number printed on it.