How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through DPS

How to renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at the DPS 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 going to an office. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online — because your license is expired by more than two years, you need a Real ID, or your address or name has changed — you must go in person or use the mail option if DPS allows it for your situation.

The method you choose depends on your current license status, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need your new license. Online renewal is fastest and cheapest, but it has strict limits on who can use it. In-person renewal takes longer overall but gives you a temporary license when ready. Mail renewal is slowest but works if you cannot visit an office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you do not need a Real ID or major changes to your record.
You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal is available only in limited cases; call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to ask if your situation qualifies before sending documents.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment; you can book one online at the DPS website or by phone.
Your new license is valid for six years if you are under 85, and you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Renewing online: the fastest route for most people

Online renewal through the DPS website is the quickest and cheapest option if your license is current or expired by less than two years. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Driver License Online." You will enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will confirm your address and ask whether you want to keep it or change it. If you change your address, you must do so in person at a DPS office instead.

The online fee is $25 for a six-year license if you are under 85. You pay by debit or credit card at the end of the transaction. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If the system rejects you during the process, it will tell you why — usually because you do not meet the requirements for online renewal — and you will need to renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a DPS office: when you must go

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a Real ID, your name has changed, you have a new address, or you are 85 or older. You will also need to go in person if you want to change your photograph or if the online system tells you that you cannot renew online.

Book an appointment through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6900. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices, and wait times are long without an appointment. Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are changing your address, bring the new address proof. The in-person fee is $27 for a six-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal: limited availability and strict requirements

DPS allows mail renewal only in specific situations, and you must call ahead to confirm that your case qualifies. Call 1-888-589-6900 and explain your situation — for example, you live out of state, you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, or you are over 85. DPS staff will tell you whether you can renew by mail and what documents to send.

If you are approved for mail renewal, you will receive a packet with instructions. Typically, you send your current license, a completed process form (DL-43), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. Do not send cash; include a check or money order for $25 (six-year license). Mail everything to the address DPS provides in your packet. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks after DPS receives your documents, so mail early if your license is about to expire. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows your Texas driver's license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is not marked "Real ID" (usually shown as a gold star in the top right corner), you cannot renew it online. You must go in person to a DPS office and bring additional documents to prove your identity, citizenship, and residency.

For a Real ID, bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The fee is $27 for a six-year Real ID license. If you do not need Real ID for your purposes — for example, you only drive within Texas and do not fly — you can renew your standard license online or by mail. However, starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID or passport will be required for domestic air travel, so plan ahead if you fly.

What happens if your license is expired by more than two years

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go in person to a DPS office and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will also retake the written test and vision test, and you may need to retake the driving test depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.

Call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to ask what tests you will need to take, then book an appointment online or by phone. Bring your expired license if you still have it; it helps DPS verify your record. The fee is $27 for a six-year license. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the office for testing and processing.

Fees, processing times, and what to expect after you renew

Online renewal costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days from approval to delivery. In-person renewal costs $27 and also takes 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery, though you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Mail renewal costs $25 and takes 4 to 6 weeks after DPS receives your documents. All Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years if you are under 85, and for five years if you are 85 or older.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you move before it arrives, do not open the envelope; write "Return to Sender — Address Correction Requested" and put it back in the mail. DPS will update your address and resend the license. If your license arrives damaged, call DPS and request a replacement. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired, as long as you have proof that you renewed (a confirmation email for online renewal, or a receipt for in-person or mail renewal).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I live outside Texas?

Yes, but your options are limited. You cannot renew online if you have moved out of state. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to ask whether you can renew by mail; DPS may allow it if you provide proof of your out-of-state address. Otherwise, you must visit a DPS office in person during a trip back to Texas, or you can have someone with power of attorney renew it for you in person.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online. You must go in person to a DPS office and report it. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and address. DPS will issue a replacement license on the spot (temporary paper) and mail the permanent one in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $27.

How do I check the status of my renewed license after I explore?

For online renewal, DPS sends a confirmation email with a reference number. You can use that number to check status on the DPS website under "Check process Status." For in-person or mail renewal, ask for a receipt with a reference number and use the same online tool. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?

Yes. Appointments are required at all DPS offices. Book online at the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6900. Walk-ins are turned away, and appointment slots fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month. Book as early as possible.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

Only if you give them power of attorney. Otherwise, you must renew yourself online, by mail, or in person. DPS does not allow a family member or friend to renew on your behalf without legal authorization.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.