Texas driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew online through the DPS website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you never leave home. If you cannot renew online, the mail and in-person routes both work, though in-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your photo.
Texas sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you whether you are may be able to access to renew online or whether you must visit a DPS office. Your may be able to access depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and how long it has been since your last in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest route for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
- You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are under 18, or if you need to update your photo or address.
- A four-year Texas license costs $16 online; an eight-year license costs $32.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- You can start the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee based on the license length you choose.
After you pay, the DPS processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556.
Online renewal is not available if you are under 18, if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your name, address, or photo. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visit your local DPS driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring your original birth certificate or passport if you are changing your name. You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee at the office.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Offices." Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you are called, though the total time at the office depends on how busy the location is. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive with it when ready. The physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you need it for identification purposes.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must be 18 or older, and you cannot have a CDL. The Texas DPS does not accept mail-in renewal requests directly. Instead, you must use the renewal notice the DPS mails to you about 60 days before expiration.
If your renewal notice says you are may be able to access to renew by mail, follow the instructions on the notice. You will mail in the notice along with your payment and your current license. The DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you. This route takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope — so send it early if your expiration date is approaching.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it online or by mail using the same process as a current license. You do not need to take a new written test or road test. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time renewal (proof of residency, Social Security card, and your expired license). You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written or road test unless the DPS requires it based on your age or driving record.
License length and cost
Texas offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32. Both are valid for driving and identification. The eight-year license costs more upfront but works out cheaper per year if you plan to stay in Texas for a long time. You choose the length when you renew online or at the DPS office.
If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for five years and costs $16. If you are a commercial driver, your renewal process and fees are different — contact the DPS for CDL-specific information.
Documents you need for each renewal route
| Renewal Route | Documents Needed | Time to Receive New License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last four digits of Social Security number, payment method | 7–10 business days by mail |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security card, original birth certificate or passport (if name change) | Printed on the spot; card arrives by mail in 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Renewal notice, current license, payment | 3–4 weeks from receipt by DPS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes, if you still have a Texas address on file and your license is not expired, you can renew online or by mail. If your address has changed to another state, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office or contact the DPS to update your address before renewing online.
What if I lost my driver's license before renewal?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security card. The DPS will issue a replacement license, and you can choose to renew it at the same time. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your existing photo. If you renew in person, you will take a new photo at the DPS office. You can request a new photo during online renewal by visiting a DPS office instead, but you will pay the in-person renewal fee.
How long can I drive on an expired Texas license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. Renew your license before the expiration date shown on the front of your card.
What if I need my new license before it arrives by mail?
If you renewed online or by mail, your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving. If you need a physical copy of your new license sooner, you can visit a DPS office and request a replacement, though you will pay an additional fee.