Renewing Your Texas License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Texas driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The state will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
If you cannot renew online—because your license has been expired for more than two years, you've changed your name, or you need to update your address—you must renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal is slower but works if you meet the requirements and prefer not to visit an office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online process.
- You can only renew online if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your name or address.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail in a renewal form, and you'll need to bring or submit proof of residency and identity.
- Texas licenses are valid for eight years, so plan to renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update it. If everything matches your records, you can proceed to payment.
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you've changed your name since your last license was issued, if you need to update your address, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
To renew in person, visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current address. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photocopy alone will not work.
You'll fill out an process form (DL-43) at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, credit card, or check. After you complete the process, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in rural areas are often faster than those in cities. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter waits than Friday afternoons or Saturdays. You can check wait times for your local office on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go In Person
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have not changed your name, and you do not have a CDL. To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Include proof of residency with your mailed process. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. Make a photocopy of your current license before you mail it so you have a record of your license number. Mail your process to the address on the DL-43 form, not to a DPS office.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal because the state must receive your process, process it, print your license, and mail it back to you. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If your process is incomplete or the state cannot read your documents, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time to the process.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license. explore for a new license requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, a driving test, and proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process is longer and more expensive than renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if your license expired only yesterday. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you should visit a DPS office as soon as you can to begin the new license process.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Receive New License | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, email address, payment method | 7–10 business days | $16 or $32 |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency (dated within 90 days) | 7–10 business days (temporary license issued same day) | $16 or $32 |
| By Mail | Current license, completed DL-43 form, proof of residency (dated within 90 days), check or money order | 3–4 weeks | $16 or $32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license, which requires a visit to a DPS office and a driving test.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
No appointment is required, but you can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and weekday mornings usually have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
What if I changed my address since my last license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. Bring or mail proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.
How long is a renewed Texas driver's license valid?
You can choose a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32 when you renew. Most people choose the eight-year option because it costs less per year and means fewer renewals over time.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and any required medical certificates or endorsement documents.