Renewing your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas driver's license without visiting a DPS office if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and your vision has not changed significantly. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew online through their website, by mail, or in person at any DPS driver license office. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary if you need a new photo, have a medical condition affecting your driving, or do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Your license becomes may be able to access for renewal 240 days before it expires. Texas licenses are valid for either 5 or 8 years depending on your age and when you last renewed. You can renew up to one year after expiration, but driving on an expired license is illegal — renew before the expiration date on your card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days if you meet the requirements.
- You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, you have changed your name, or your vision has changed significantly since your last exam.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form DL-44, a check or money order, and takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a vision test.
- Your license is may be able to access to renew 240 days before expiration, and you can renew up to one year after it expires, but driving on an expired license is illegal.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Answer questions about your health, vision, and whether you have had any name changes or address changes since your last renewal. If all your answers meet the requirements, you can pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card and submit your process when ready.
The renewal fee for a 5-year license is $25, and for an 8-year license is $40. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process, and your new license will be mailed to the new address.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, if your vision has changed, or if you have changed your name since your last renewal. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal using form DL-44
read or request form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website. Complete the form by hand or type it, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license or a photo ID if your license has expired. You do not need to include a new photo — DPS will use your existing photo unless you request a new one in writing.
Mail your completed form and payment to the DPS mailing address listed on form DL-44. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You can check the status of your renewal by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-844-DPS-5555 or visiting the online portal with your confirmation number if you received one.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot be suspended, you cannot have changed your name, and you cannot have significant vision changes. If you need a new photo or have a suspension, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS driver license office
Schedule an appointment online at dps.texas.gov by selecting "Schedule an Appointment" under Driver License services, or call 1-844-DPS-5555 to book by phone. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken unless you are age 79 or older and have not had a vision change.
The renewal fee is the same as online renewal: $25 for a 5-year license or $40 for an 8-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you pass the vision test, or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if the office needs to verify information. Bring all documents with you — DPS will not accept documents by mail for in-person appointments.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have changed your name, if you have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive, or if you need a new photo. It is also the only option if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18 or if you are upgrading your license class.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, last four digits of Social Security number, date of birth | 7 to 10 business days |
| Completed form DL-44, copy of current driver's license or photo ID, check or money order | 4 to 6 weeks | |
| In-person | Current driver's license, proof of identity, proof of residency, vision test on site | Same day or 7 to 10 business days by mail |
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you can update your address during online renewal by entering your new address in the process. Your new license will be mailed to the new address. For mail renewal, write your new address on form DL-44 in the space provided. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the office will update your address on the spot.
If you have changed your name since your last renewal due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The office will check the status of your suspension and tell you whether you are able to renew. If your suspension has been lifted, you can renew on the spot. If your suspension is still active, you will need to resolve the reason for the suspension (such as paying a traffic fine or completing a defensive driving course) before you can renew.
Contact DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to find out why your license is suspended before you visit an office. This will save you a trip if you need to take action first. Some suspensions can be resolved by phone or online; others require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it has already expired?
Yes, you can renew up to one year after expiration. However, driving on an expired license is illegal, so renew before the expiration date if possible. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit and a written test.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your form. If you need your license quickly, online renewal is the fastest option.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
DPS will use your existing photo unless you request a new one or are renewing in person and the office determines your photo is too old. If you renew online or by mail and want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You do not have to renew your Texas license if you move. You can obtain a driver's license in your new state whenever you are ready. Your Texas license remains valid in Texas and most other states even after you move, but you should get a license in your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
It depends on the type of ticket or fine. Some traffic violations result in a license suspension, which prevents renewal until the suspension is lifted. Contact DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to check whether your license is suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before you can renew.