What you need to do to renew in Texas
In Texas, you renew your driver license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — and which method you use depends on how much time you have left and whether your license has any restrictions.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Texas DPS website. If you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you can mail in your process or visit a driver license office in person. Texas allows you to renew up to two years before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.
- You can renew by mail if you're not may be able to access for online renewal, but mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your address or other personal information.
- Texas requires a new photo every 16 years, so you may need to visit an office in person even if you've renewed online before.
- You can start the renewal process up to two years before your license expires, giving you plenty of time to plan.
Online renewal: the fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal is available if your license is still valid (not expired), you have a valid Social Security number on file with DPS, and your license does not have certain restrictions. You'll need to visit the Texas DPS online renewal portal, enter your driver license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity.
Once you complete the online form, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Texas charges $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to visit an office or provide new documents — the system uses your existing DPS record.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license has a commercial (CDL) endorsement or certain medical restrictions. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail when online is not an option
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require a trip to a DPS office. You'll need to complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by phone at 1-888-589-6789.
With your completed form, you'll mail in your current driver license, a proof of residency document (such as a utility bill or lease), and the renewal fee. Mail your process to the address shown on the form — it varies by region. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
Mail renewal is a good option if you're out of state or have a schedule that doesn't allow an office visit. However, you cannot change your address or other personal information by mail — if you need to update those details, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS driver license office
Visit a DPS driver license office if you need a new photo, want to change your address or name, or are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal. You'll need to bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).
Bring your documents in original form or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency or Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you'll receive your new license on the spot. Your old license will be returned to you or destroyed, depending on the office.
Documents and fees you'll need
The documents required depend on your renewal method. For online renewal, you don't need to provide any documents — DPS uses your existing record. For mail or in-person renewal, you'll need proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.
Proof of residency can be a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 90 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, you can use a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead.
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can provide a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.
The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. Texas does not accept cash by mail, so if you're renewing by mail, include a check or money order. If you're renewing online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash.
When you need a new photo and in-person visit
Texas requires a new photo every 16 years. If your current license was issued more than 16 years ago, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew — online and mail renewal are not options. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot.
You also must visit in person if your license has been expired for more than two years. Once a license expires, you can renew it for up to two years after expiration using online or mail methods. After two years, you must explore for a new license in person, which involves a new photo, a new process, and a new fee.
If you're not sure whether you need a new photo, check your license. Your photo is on the front left side. If you're unsure about your may be able to access for online or mail renewal, you can call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to confirm before you start the process.
Timeline and what to expect after you explore
The timeline depends on your renewal method. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your process. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process — add time for mail delivery both ways. In-person renewal is when ready; you'll receive your new license before you leave the office.
After you submit your process online or by mail, you can track the status on the Texas DPS website using your driver license number. If there's a problem with your process — such as a missing document or an unclear photo — DPS will contact you by mail or phone to ask for more information.
Your new license will arrive by mail unless you renewed in person. If you don't receive your license within the expected timeframe, contact the Texas DPS to check the status. Keep your old license until your new one arrives; it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if I'm out of state?
Yes. Online renewal is the best option if you're out of state — you can complete it from anywhere with internet access, and your new license will be mailed to any address you provide. Mail renewal is also an option. You cannot renew in person at a DPS office unless you're physically in Texas.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you're renewing online, you can update your address during the online process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). You cannot change your address by mail renewal alone — you must either renew online or visit an office in person.
How long is a Texas driver license valid after renewal?
A renewed license is valid for five years or eight years, depending on which option you choose when you renew. You can select either length when you renew online, by mail, or in person. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you won't need to renew as often.
What happens if my license expires before I receive my renewed one?
Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally while waiting — the process receipt or tracking number is not a valid license.
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than two years?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office, not renew it. This requires a new photo, a new process form, and a new fee. You'll also need to pass a vision test. Contact your local DPS office for the full list of documents required.