What You Need to Do to Renew in El Paso
In El Paso, you can renew your driver license either online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most standard renewals can be completed online or by mail without a visit to an office.
Texas driver licenses are valid for eight years for most adults under 85. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which gives you a wide window to avoid the rush. El Paso has two DPS driver license offices where you can renew in person if you need to, though online and mail renewals are faster and do not require you to take a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and takes about 7 to 10 business days if you meet the requirements.
- Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the DPS processing center.
- In-person renewal at an El Paso DPS office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you have changed your name or address.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a standard eight-year license, and you must have a valid Social Security number and Texas residency to renew.
- You cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or certain medical conditions that require DPS review.
Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option for most drivers in El Paso. You can start the process at the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) by logging into your account or creating one if you do not have one already. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to begin.
The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, pay the $25 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and review the terms. Once you submit, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes about 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time, even after it expires, as long as you have proof that you have submitted your renewal request.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a CDL or motorcycle endorsement, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if you have certain medical conditions that require DPS approval. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the DPS processing center. Start by downloading and printing the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only the renewal section applies to you.
Include your current driver license, a check or money order for $25 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the completed form in an envelope. Mail everything to:
Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division P.O. Box 15999 Austin, TX 78761-5999
Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days from the date the DPS receives your package. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you want to track your renewal, call 1-888-589-6789 and provide your license number and date of birth. Mail renewal is a good option if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal or if you prefer not to use a credit card.
In-Person Renewal at El Paso DPS Offices
El Paso has two DPS driver license offices where you can renew in person. The main office is located at 5059 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903, and a second office is at 1200 East Paisano Drive, El Paso, TX 79905. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment—renewals are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times can be 30 minutes to two hours during peak times.
Bring your current driver license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $25 in cash, check, or debit card. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will take a new photo at the office and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on whether the office has the equipment to print licenses on-site.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo for any reason, or if you have a CDL or motorcycle endorsement. It is also the best option if you have questions about your renewal or need to update information beyond your address.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The renewal fee in Texas is $25 for a standard eight-year driver license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You cannot pay by cash online or by mail—online renewals require a credit or debit card, and mail renewals require a check or money order.
For online or mail renewal, you need only your current license and your Social Security number. For in-person renewal, you must bring your current license and proof of Texas residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued document that shows your current address and is dated within the last 60 days. A driver license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If you have changed your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, you can update it online during the renewal process, by mail on the DL-43 form, or in person at the DPS office. Address changes do not require additional documents.
Timeline: When to Renew and How Long It Takes
You can renew your Texas driver license up to one year before it expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Renewing early gives you flexibility and helps you avoid the rush near the expiration date, when wait times at DPS offices are longer and mail processing can take slightly longer due to volume.
Here is what to expect for timing depending on your renewal method:
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | When to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Online | 7 to 10 business days | 2 to 3 weeks before expiration |
| 15 to 20 business days | 4 to 5 weeks before expiration | |
| In-person | Same day (if printed on-site) or 7 to 10 business days (if mailed) | Any time before expiration |
If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any of these methods, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will need to take a new photo and pass a vision test.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is waiting until your license is about to expire or has already expired. This creates unnecessary stress and limits your options—if your license expires more than two years ago, you must renew in person, which takes longer than online or mail renewal. Start the process at least three to four weeks before your expiration date.
Another mistake is trying to renew online when you do not meet the requirements. If you have a CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or have changed your name, online renewal will not work, and you will waste time. Check the DPS website first to confirm you are may be able to access, or call 1-888-589-6789 to ask.
For mail renewal, do not forget to include your current license in the envelope. The DPS cannot process your renewal without it. Also, use a check or money order, not cash—cash can be lost in the mail and the DPS will not be able to track it. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.
If you renew in person, bring proof of residency even if you think you do not need it. The DPS offices in El Paso will turn you away if you do not have it, and you will have wasted a trip. A utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is the easiest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, you can renew by mail or in person. However, if it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office, take a new photo, and pass a vision test. You cannot drive legally on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request.
What if I moved to El Paso from another state and still have an out-of-state license?
You cannot renew a license from another state in Texas. You must obtain a new Texas driver license in person at a DPS office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $25, and you will take a new photo and vision test.
How do I know if my online renewal was successful?
After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen and by email. Save this number. You can check the status of your renewal by logging back into your DPS account or by calling 1-888-589-6789 with your license number and confirmation number. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver license (CDL)?
No, you cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. CDL renewals require a medical examination and additional documentation. Call 1-888-589-6789 or visit the DPS website for information about CDL renewal requirements in El Paso.
What if my new license arrives and it has the wrong information on it?
Contact the DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a DPS office in El Paso with your new license and proof of the correct information. The DPS can issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the DPS. If you made an error on your process, there may be a fee to correct it.