How to renew your Texas driver's license

Texas driver's licenses are renewed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you can complete the process online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or passing a test — but some situations require an office visit.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal method is available to you. If you do not receive one, you can still renew, but you will need to know your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have not had certain violations, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
  • Online renewal through the DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
  • If you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or update your photo, you must visit a DPS office in person.
  • Texas licenses are valid for 8 years for adults under 85 and 5 years for drivers 85 and older.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Online renewal through the DPS website

The fastest and cheapest way to renew is online at the Texas DPS website. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after you pay.

Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid (not expired), you have no active suspensions or disqualifications, and you have not had certain violations in the past few years. You also cannot change your address online — if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address.

The fee for online renewal is lower than the in-person fee. You will pay the renewal fee plus a technology fee, and you can use a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal with the DPS

You can renew by mail if you received a renewal notice from DPS. Fill out the form that came with your notice, include payment, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope — so send it early if your license is close to expiring.

Mail renewal works for address changes if you include a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. If you are changing your name, you will need to visit an office in person instead.

The fee for mail renewal is the same as the in-person fee. Include a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit a DPS driver's license office if you need to change your address, update your photo, add a Real ID endorsement, or if you are not able to renew online or by mail. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address if you have moved.

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a passport or birth certificate.

In-person renewal includes a new photo and takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is higher than online or mail renewal.

Real ID endorsement and what you need to bring

A Real ID endorsement is a gold star on your Texas license that shows you have proven your identity and citizenship to federal standards. You need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can add it during renewal by visiting a DPS office in person.

To add a Real ID endorsement, bring your current license, proof of citizenship or lawful presence (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are renewing a standard license without Real ID, you do not need to bring citizenship documents.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of renewal depends on the method you choose and how long you want your license to be valid. Online renewal is the least expensive option. Mail and in-person renewal cost more. All fees cover an 8-year license for adults under 85; drivers 85 and older receive a 5-year license at a lower cost.

You can pay online with a credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. At an office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices also accept electronic payment. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

Timeline: when to renew and how long it takes

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early gives you time to receive your new license by mail before your current one runs out. Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and tells you which method is available to you.

Online renewal is fastest: you get a temporary digital license right away and your physical license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready for the temporary paper license, with your plastic license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any method, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it has already expired?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person even after your license expires. However, you cannot drive legally while your license is expired, so renewing early is safer. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to visit an office in person or take a written test.

What if I have moved and need to change my address?

You can change your address by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, include a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If you renew online, you cannot change your address — you must use mail or visit an office.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo as part of the process. You can also request a new photo at an office visit even if you are renewing by mail or online.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after DPS processes your renewal. If you renew online, you get a temporary digital license on your phone right away. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready.

What happens if I renew but my license gets lost in the mail?

Contact the DPS and report it lost. You can request a replacement at a driver's license office or by mail. There is a fee for a replacement license, separate from the renewal fee. Bring your temporary paper or digital license as proof that you have already renewed.