Renewing Your License in Laredo: Where to Go and What You Need

In Laredo, you renew your driver license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office located at 3002 Santa Ursula Avenue. You cannot renew by mail in Texas, and you cannot renew online unless you meet very specific conditions (a standard renewal requires an in-person visit). The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

Before you go, check whether your license is may be able to access for standard renewal or whether you need to take the written test and vision test again. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you have certain medical conditions on file, you will need to pass the tests. Most people renewing a regular Class C license within two years of expiration do not.

Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS office will not accept expired documents as proof of residency. You will also pay a renewal fee at the time of your visit — the amount depends on whether you are renewing for four or six years.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laredo DPS Driver License office is at 3002 Santa Ursula Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You must renew in person; Texas does not allow mail or online renewal for standard Class C licenses.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2).
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the written test and vision test again before renewal.
  • Renewal fees are $33 for a four-year license or $66 for a six-year license, payable at the time of your visit.

Documents You Must Bring to the Laredo DPS Office

Texas requires three categories of documents at renewal: your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Do not bring expired documents — the DPS office will not accept them.

For proof of residency, bring one document from this list: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and current Laredo address and must be dated within the last 60 days.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional ID document (such as a passport or military ID).

Bring your current driver license itself. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report instead and be prepared to pay an additional replacement fee.

When You Must Take the Written Test and Vision Test Again

Most people renewing a standard Class C license do not take tests again. However, you will need to pass the written test and vision test if any of these explore: your license expired more than two years ago, you are renewing a CDL, you have a medical condition listed on your license, you are over 79 years old, or you have had certain traffic violations or suspensions.

The vision test checks whether you can read a chart from 20 feet away and whether your peripheral vision is adequate. You do not study for this test — either you pass or you do not. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The DPS office in Laredo will provide a study guide when you arrive, but you can also study the Texas Driver Handbook online at the DPS website before your visit. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Texas driver license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $33. A six-year license costs $66. You pay the fee at the time of your visit to the Laredo DPS office.

The DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Ask for a receipt when you pay.

If you are renewing a CDL or if you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, additional fees may explore. Ask the staff at the office when you arrive.

How Long the Process Takes and When You Get Your New License

The renewal process at the Laredo DPS office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from the time you arrive, assuming you have all required documents and do not need to take the written test. If you must take the written test, add another 45 minutes.

You will receive your new license on the same day you visit the office. The DPS staff will photograph you, process your documents, and print your license before you leave. Your new license will be valid for either four or six years from the date of issue, depending on which term you chose.

If there is a problem with your documents or your process, the staff will tell you what is missing and what you need to bring back. Do not leave the office without your new license unless the staff specifically tells you they cannot issue it that day.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The DPS office in Laredo will not renew it earlier than that. If you renew early, your new license will still expire on the same month and year as your old one would have — you do not get extra time.

Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel, if you know you will be busy when your license is close to expiring, or if you want to change your address or other information on your license. The process and fees are the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the same office using the same process. However, if it expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the written test and vision test again.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit the Laredo Office in Person

Texas does not allow renewal by mail or online for standard Class C licenses. You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person. However, if you live outside Laredo or outside Texas, you have options.

If you live in another Texas city, you can visit any DPS Driver License office in the state — not just the one in Laredo. The process and documents are the same. Search the DPS website for the office nearest you.

If you live outside Texas, you must still renew in person at a Texas DPS office. Some people renew during a visit home or during a trip to Texas. If you cannot travel to Texas, you may be able to request a temporary extension or a hardship renewal, though these are uncommon. Contact the Laredo DPS office directly at the phone number on their website to ask about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail in Texas?

No. Texas requires all standard driver license renewals to be done in person at a DPS Driver License office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if you live out of state. The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed overseas and meet specific conditions — contact the DPS for details.

What if I lost my current license and cannot bring it to the office?

Bring a police report of the loss instead. You will still need proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The DPS will issue a replacement license, but you may pay an additional replacement fee on top of the renewal fee.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Laredo DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but the office may have wait times during busy hours. You can walk in during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). If you want to check current wait times or schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website or call the Laredo office directly.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Laredo address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The DPS will update your address on your new license at the time of renewal. You do not need to change your address separately.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. An outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the Laredo DPS office or the Texas Driver License Division to check your suspension status before you visit.