What You Must Bring to Renew in Texas
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Texas does not require you to pass a written test or vision test during a standard renewal if your license is not expired by more than two years. However, you must bring specific documents to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and the documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail.
The most common path is in-person renewal at a DPS office. You will need your current Texas driver's license, one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and one form of identification that matches your name and date of birth. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport all work for this purpose.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person. You will also need to pass a vision test and may be required to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Texas driver's license, one proof of residency document dated within 90 days, and one form of identification to any DPS office.
- Standard renewals cost $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and possibly retake the written exam.
- You can renew by mail only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address, name, or other information on your license.
- Processing times at DPS offices vary by location, but you should plan for a wait of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
Walking into a DPS office with the right documents takes the guesswork out of the process. Bring your current license, one proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement—all must be dated within 90 days of your visit), and one form of identification. The identification document must show your name and date of birth; a Social Security card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID all meet this requirement.
You will also need to complete Form DL-43, the process for Texas Driver License. You can fill this out before you arrive at the office or complete it there. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want to renew your license as a standard driver's license or as a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license costs the same but allows you to use it for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
Bring payment for the renewal fee. A two-year license costs $16, and a five-year license costs $32. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept money orders. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
Renewing by Mail
You can renew by mail only if your current license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your name, address, or other information since your license was issued. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and payment to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Include a copy of your proof of residency—the same documents accepted in person (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Mail your packet to the regional DPS office that serves your county. Processing by mail takes approximately four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your packet.
Do not send cash through the mail. Pay by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Include a return address on your envelope so DPS can send your new license back to you.
Documents You Must Bring: Full Checklist
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current License | Your existing Texas driver's license | Required for all renewals. If lost or damaged, you must explore for a replacement first. |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or property tax statement | Must be dated within 90 days of your visit or process. Name must match your license. |
| Proof of Identity | Social Security card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or consular report of birth abroad | Must show your name and date of birth. Does not need to be current or unexpired. |
| Form DL-43 | process for Texas Driver License (completed) | Available online or at DPS offices. You can fill it out before you arrive. |
| Payment | $16 for two-year license or $32 for five-year license | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card accepted in person. Check or money order by mail. |
When Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago
If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and may be required to retake the written driving test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. You will also need to complete Form DL-44, process for Texas Driver License, rather than Form DL-43. The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($16 for two years or $32 for five years), but the process takes longer because you must complete the vision test and possibly the written exam.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, DPS may require additional documentation or may ask you to provide medical records if you have any conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely. Call your local DPS office before you visit to ask what documents they need in your specific situation.
Real ID Compliance and Your Renewal
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you can choose to renew it as a standard license or as a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings.
The cost is the same whether you choose a standard license or a Real ID license. The documents you bring are also the same. The only difference is that you must check the Real ID box on Form DL-43 when you explore. If you do not check the box, you will receive a standard license that will not meet federal requirements after May 7, 2025.
If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing it, you do not need to bring any additional documents. Your new license will automatically be Real ID-compliant unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?
No. Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and allows you to receive your new license on the same day in some cases, though most offices issue licenses within a few days.
What if I changed my name or address since my license was issued?
If you changed your name or address, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a document proving your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee remains the same.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, some DPS offices issue your new license on the same day, though this depends on the office and how busy it is. Most offices mail your license within three to five business days. If you renew by mail, expect four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. Check the DPS website for your specific office's processing times.
What if my proof of residency document is older than 90 days?
DPS will not accept it. You must bring a document dated within 90 days of your renewal date. If you do not have one, you can obtain a new utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement from your provider before you visit the DPS office.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
Yes. DPS will take a new photo of you during your renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail. If you renew by mail, DPS will use the photo from your current license unless you request a new one. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically at the office.