What Form You Need and Where to Get It
Texas does not require you to submit a paper form to renew your driver license. Instead, you renew through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew online or by mail, you will not fill out a traditional process form — the DPS processes your renewal through their system once you provide your current license number and personal information.
If you must renew in person, you will complete Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) at the DPS office. The office staff will guide you through it, and you do not need to bring a pre-filled copy. However, if you prefer to see what the form looks like before you arrive, you can read it from the Texas DPS website under "Forms" or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6789.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov). You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver license renewal does not require you to submit a paper form if you renew online or by mail — the DPS processes your renewal directly.
- Online renewal through dps.texas.gov is the fastest option and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method.
- In-person renewal requires Form DL-43, which you complete at the DPS office; staff will provide it and help you fill it out.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License by Mail), which you must request from DPS or read from their website.
- Your renewal important date is your license expiration date; renewing within 60 days before or after that date keeps you legal to drive.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal is open to most Texas drivers whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years. You do not need to bring documents or visit an office. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you a summary of the information on file.
Review the information carefully — if your address, name, or other details have changed, you must correct them before you submit. Online renewal does not allow you to change your address; if you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person. The fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail Renewal: What Documents to Send
Mail renewal requires you to request and complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License by Mail). You can read this form from dps.texas.gov or call 1-888-589-6789 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($33 for four years or $66 for eight years) to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. Do not mail your original license unless you are renewing by mail — if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will not have proof of a valid license. Some people choose to renew online first, then request a duplicate license by mail if they need a physical copy before the renewal arrives.
Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a DPS office and your information has not changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your address, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
In-person renewal requires you to visit a Texas DPS Driver License office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You do not need to bring Form DL-43 — the office will provide it and staff will help you complete it.
Arrive early; wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You can check wait times for your local office on the DPS website before you go. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. Your new license is usually ready to pick up the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or name, if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you want to renew before your expiration date and need the new license when ready. The fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
Documents You Must Bring
For any renewal method, you will need to verify your identity and residency. The specific documents depend on your situation, but the general requirements are:
- Your current Texas driver license (or expired license if it expired less than two years ago)
- Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days showing your current address
- Payment for the renewal fee (by card, check, or money order, depending on the method)
If you are renewing in person and your name has changed since your last license (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail and your name has changed, include a copy of the document with your process.
If your Social Security number is not on file with DPS, you may be asked to provide a Social Security card or a document that shows your number. This is rare but can happen if you are renewing for the first time in many years or if your record was flagged during verification.
Renewal Timelines and Expiration Rules
Your Texas driver license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 60 days before your expiration date and remain legal to drive. If you renew after your expiration date, you are still legal to drive for up to 60 days after expiration, but you should not wait — renewing late can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to use your license for identification.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal is fastest — your license is usually ready the same day or within a few days. If your license expires soon and you have not yet renewed, in-person renewal is your safest option.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring all required documents and be prepared to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting until after your license expires to renew online. Online renewal requires your current, valid license number. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system — you must renew by mail or in person. Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date to avoid this problem.
Another common mistake is not updating your address before you renew. If you have moved, you cannot renew online — you must go in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address. If you try to renew online with an old address, your new license will be mailed to that address and you will not receive it. Always update your address first if you have moved.
A third mistake is mailing your original license without keeping a copy of the license number. If your mail renewal is delayed or lost, you will not have your license number to renew online or check the status of your process. Write down your license number before you mail anything, or renew online first and then request a duplicate by mail if you need a physical copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license online if I have moved to a new address?
No. Online renewal does not allow you to change your address. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail using Form DL-44. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days) with you.
What happens if I renew my license after it expires?
You can still renew up to 60 days after your expiration date and remain legal to drive. However, do not wait — renewing late can cause problems if you are stopped by police. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office — your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days.
Do I need to bring Form DL-43 to the DPS office when I renew in person?
No. The DPS office will provide Form DL-43 and staff will help you complete it. You do not need to bring a pre-filled copy or read it ahead of time.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy with your process. If you are renewing in person, bring the original or certified copy to the DPS office.