How to Renew Your Driver License in Houston

Where to renew your Houston driver license

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, but the closest one to you in Houston depends on where you live or work. The main Houston DPS office is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. There are also DPS offices in surrounding areas like Pearland, Katy, and The Woodlands if those are more convenient.

You can also renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must not have any medical conditions that require a new photo, and you cannot have changed your name. If you are renewing online, you will need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the fee.

The fastest option for most people is to renew online at the Texas DPS website. If you cannot renew online, visiting a DPS office in person typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays usually means shorter wait times.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not changed your name or medical status.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and payment of the renewal fee.
The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $25, and a Real ID-compliant license costs $27 if you do not already have one.
If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Documents you need to bring to renew in person

If you are renewing at a DPS office, bring one form of primary identification. This can be your current Texas driver license, a passport, a military ID, or a Certificate of Citizenship. You will also need one form of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current Houston address.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to bring payment for the renewal fee.

If you are renewing online, you will not need to bring physical documents, but you will need to have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you start the process.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard five-year Texas driver license renewal costs $25. If you want a Real ID-compliant license and do not already have one, the fee is $27. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, and it is marked with a gold star in the top right corner of your license.

If you renew online or by mail, the fee is the same. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or electronic check when you renew online. At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card. The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal.

If you are renewing a Real ID license that is already Real ID-compliant, the cost is $25 — you do not pay the extra $2 again. Check your current license to see if it has the gold star; if it does, you already have Real ID.

Online renewal step-by-step

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to renew your driver license online. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against the DPS database.

Next, you will answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information have changed. If any of these have changed, you will be directed to renew in person instead. If nothing has changed, you will be asked to review your information and confirm it is correct.

You will then choose whether you want a standard license or a Real ID license. After that, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number and an email with instructions. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired

If your Texas driver license has been expired for two years or less, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

When you renew in person after a long expiration, you will need to pass a vision screening and may need to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long it has been expired. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you can still renew, but you should not drive until your new license arrives. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine.

Real ID requirements for Houston drivers

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you do not have Real ID and want to fly domestically, you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID instead.

To get a Real ID license in Texas, you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, a valid Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are renewing your license and want to add Real ID, you can do so online if you have not changed your name or address. If you have changed either, you must renew in person.

If your current Texas license already has the gold star, it is already Real ID-compliant, and you do not need to do anything special when you renew. Your new license will also be Real ID-compliant.

Renewing by mail from Houston

You can renew your Texas driver license by mail if your license is not expired by more than two years and nothing about your identity or medical status has changed. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the Texas DPS website or call the DPS customer service line.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Include a copy of your current license or another form of identification. Mail renewal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your process.

This option is useful if you are out of state or cannot visit a DPS office in person, but it takes longer than online renewal. If you need your license quickly, online renewal or in-person renewal is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before your birthday (the expiration date). Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday. This means you can renew whenever it is convenient for you.

What if I have moved to a different address in Houston?

If you have moved within Houston or Texas, you can update your address online when you renew your license. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

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

If you renew online, your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can request a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your new license to arrive in the mail.

Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly or go to federal buildings?

No. A standard Texas driver license is still valid for driving and most everyday uses. Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not do either of these things, you do not need Real ID.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you have changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.

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.