How to renew your Texas driver license

You can renew your Texas driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew by mail or online without taking a new photo or retaking the written test — but the method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Texas sends renewal notices about 45 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal methods are open to you. If you do not receive one, you can still renew, but you will need to know your license number and other details to start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas lets you renew by mail, online through the DPS website, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your license type and expiration date.
  • Online and mail renewal do not require a new photo or written test for most standard renewals, saving you time and a trip to the office.
  • Your renewal fee varies based on license type and how many years you renew for — typically $16 to $97 for a standard license.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard Class C driver license and your license is not expired. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Online Services," and log in or create an account. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, choose how many years to renew for (typically 4 or 6 years), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need a new photo or to take a test.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) or a license with restrictions. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works for standard Class C licenses that are not expired and do not require address or name changes. The Texas DPS will send you a renewal process in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back in the envelope provided.

Processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks after the DPS receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not require a new photo or written test for a standard renewal.

If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can request an process form by visiting a DPS office or calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. You can also read the process from the Texas DPS website and mail it with your payment.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you hold a CDL, or if you want a new photo on your license. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.

At the DPS office, you will have your photo taken, pass a vision screening, and answer a few questions about your driving record and medical history. You will not retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have other violations on your record. The office will issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Texas renewal fees depend on your license type and how many years you renew for. A standard Class C driver license costs $16 for a 4-year renewal or $24 for a 6-year renewal. Commercial driver licenses and licenses with endorsements cost more — typically $47 to $97 depending on the endorsements you hold.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date. If your license expires while your renewal is being processed, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal process.

Texas driver licenses are valid for 4 or 6 years, depending on which term you choose at renewal. Licenses for drivers under 18 expire on their 18th birthday. Senior drivers (85 and older) must renew every two years.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and pass a vision screening. You may also need to retake the written test and the road test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your driving record. The DPS officer will let you know what tests you need to take when you arrive.

If you do not have your expired license, bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport) and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The DPS office can look up your license information in their system.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot make these changes by mail or online. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and any documents showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

The DPS office will update your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the office.

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 fee is the same whether you renew early or close to the expiration date.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost and not expired, you can renew it by mail or online using your license number and other personal information. If you do not remember your license number, visit a DPS office with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number, and they can look it up for you.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Standard processing time is 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your process or processes your renewal at an office. Mail and online renewals may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks for the DPS to receive and process your process before they mail your license.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Texas driver license?

Not for mail or online renewal. Your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will have a new photo taken. You can also request a new photo at an office even if you are renewing by mail or online.

What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?

You can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted your renewal process — such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your process. Keep this proof with you while driving. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.