How to renew your Texas driver license through DPS
You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DPS office in person or mail in an process, both of which take longer and may require documents like proof of residency.
Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on which you choose. Texas does not send renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can check when your license expires by logging into your DPS account online or by looking at the card itself.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- The online process costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person with proof of residency, Social Security number, and your current license.
- Mail-in renewal is available only in limited cases and requires you to submit a completed process form DL-43 along with required documents to the DPS address in Austin.
- DPS offices are often busy; you can check wait times online and book an appointment through the DPS website to reduce time spent in the office.
Online renewal: the fastest route if you are may be able to access
Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. You also cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you must not have any medical conditions or restrictions that need to be updated. If all of these conditions are met, you can log in with your driver license number and date of birth, review your information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay by credit or debit card.
After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to verify your renewal was processed, you can log back into your DPS account and check the status.
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. There is no additional fee if you want to update your photo, but you cannot do that online — you would need to renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the Social Security card itself — you just need to provide the number.
DPS offices are located in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times at dps.texas.gov. Many offices now allow you to book an appointment online, which can significantly reduce the time you spend waiting. If your office offers appointments, booking one is worth doing, especially during busy times like the end of the month or before a holiday.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the same fee as online renewal ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), and you can choose to update your photo at that time if you want. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives.
Mail-in renewal: available only in specific situations
Mail-in renewal is not available to most people in Texas. It is only an option if you are over 79 years old, have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, or are a member of the military stationed outside Texas. If you meet one of these conditions, you can request an process form DL-43 from the DPS website or by calling the DPS customer service line.
Complete the form, include proof of your condition or military status, and mail it along with your current license and proof of residency to the DPS office in Austin. The address is listed on the form. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 4 to 6 weeks — so plan ahead if you are using this route. You will need to continue driving on your current license during this time.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration in Texas, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You will need to contact DPS to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. This might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving an issue with child support or unpaid traffic tickets. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any of the normal routes.
Updating your name or address during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same applies if you have changed your address — you cannot renew online if your address has changed.
When you renew in person with a name or address change, bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (if applicable), your Social Security number, and the document showing your name change. The DPS office will update your information and issue a new license with your current details. This process takes the same amount of time as a regular in-person renewal.
Tracking your renewal and what to do if your license does not arrive
After you renew online or in person, you can check the status of your new license by logging into your DPS account at dps.texas.gov. You will see whether your renewal has been processed and when your license was mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of processing.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS customer service. Have your confirmation number ready. DPS can check whether your license was mailed and to what address. If there was an error with the mailing address, DPS may be able to issue a replacement. If your license was lost in the mail, DPS can reissue it, though you may have to pay a replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether you are renewing early or at the last minute.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?
If you are now a resident of another state, you should get a driver license from that state instead of renewing your Texas license. However, if you still live in Texas or are temporarily out of state, you can renew your Texas license online or by mail if you meet the mail-in requirements. Contact DPS if you are unsure about your residency status.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?
Appointments are not required, but they are available at many DPS offices and can save you significant wait time. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are offered. If they are, booking one online is recommended, especially during busy periods.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your new one. If you need proof that you have renewed, your DPS account will show your renewal status and confirmation number. Some employers or agencies will accept a screenshot of this confirmation as temporary proof.
Can I change my photo during online renewal?
No. Photo updates are only available when you renew in person at a DPS office. If you want a new photo, you must visit an office instead of renewing online.