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. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited set of documents for each category — you cannot bring just anything that has your name on it. Most people renew by mail or online if they meet certain conditions, but some must renew in person at a DPS office.

The exact documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person, and whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than two years. Texas also requires you to pass a vision test if you renew in person, and to pay a renewal fee that varies based on how long your new license will be valid.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof that you live in Texas, and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
  • If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office; if it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
  • The renewal fee in Texas ranges from $16 to $33 depending on whether you choose a four-year or six-year license, plus an additional charge if you want a Real ID-compliant license.
  • You must pass a vision screening at a DPS office if you renew in person, and you may be required to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid or expired fewer than two years ago, and you must have a valid email address on file with DPS.

Who can renew by mail or online versus in person

Texas allows you to renew by mail or online only if your current license is still valid or expired fewer than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and will likely need to retake the written driving test.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You do not need to visit an office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. To renew online, your license must not be expired, or expired fewer than two years ago, and you must have a valid email address already registered with DPS.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks — but works the same way: you send your documents and fee to the address DPS provides, and your new license arrives by mail. You are may be able to access for mail renewal under the same conditions as online renewal.

If you cannot renew by mail or online, or if you want to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you must visit a DPS office in person. You will also need to renew in person if you want to add the Real ID star to your license for the first time.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

For in-person renewal, bring one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN.

Proof of identity: An unexpired U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. If your previous license or ID is expired, it still counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity for renewal.

Proof of residency: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill showing your current Texas address and dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government document with your address also works. A piece of mail from a government agency counts. Your address must match the address you are registering with DPS.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN from the IRS. You must provide one of these documents in person; you cannot straightforward tell the DPS employee your number.

Real ID requirements and the additional cost

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it during renewal, you must renew in person and bring the same documents listed above.

Adding Real ID costs an extra $16 on top of your base renewal fee. So if your base renewal fee is $16, your total with Real ID would be $32. If you do not want Real ID, you can renew without it, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically after May 2025.

If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically include Real ID status — you do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee, as long as you renew before your current license expires.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Texas offers two renewal periods: a four-year license and a six-year license. The four-year license costs $16, and the six-year license costs $24. If you add Real ID, add $16 to either price.

You choose which period you want when you renew. The six-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for six years. The four-year license is cheaper but requires renewal sooner. There is no rule about which one you must choose — it depends on your preference and budget.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay the fee when you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the DPS office when you complete your transaction.

Vision test and written test requirements

If you renew in person, you must pass a vision screening at the DPS office. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test is performed with your correction in place.

You will not retake the written driving test unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If it has been expired longer than that, DPS will require you to pass the written test again before your new license is issued. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices.

If you renew by mail or online, you do not take a vision test or written test, regardless of how long your license has been expired — as long as it expired fewer than two years ago.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Replacement is a different transaction from renewal and has different requirements and fees.

Contact your local DPS office or visit the Texas DPS website to learn the steps for replacement in your area. You will need to report a stolen license to DPS and may need to provide a police report number. A replacement license costs $11 for a four-year license or $17 for a six-year license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if it is expired?

Yes, if it expired fewer than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. To renew online, you also need a valid email address on file with DPS and access to a computer or phone with internet.

What happens if I do not bring all three types of documents to the DPS office?

DPS will not process your renewal. You must bring one document from each category: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN. If you are missing any category, ask the DPS employee which documents from that category they accept, then return with the correct document.

Do I have to take the written driving test when I renew?

Only if your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license is still valid or expired fewer than two years ago, you do not retake the written test. You will always take a vision test if you renew in person.

Can I renew my license by mail if I want to change my address?

No. If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Mail and online renewal do not allow you to update your information.

What is the difference between a four-year and six-year Texas driver's license?

A four-year license costs $16 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. A six-year license costs $24 and is valid for six years. Both are standard licenses with the same driving privileges — the only difference is how long you can use it before renewing again.