Where to Renew Your License in McAllen

The McAllen Driver License office is located at 1500 South 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501. This is the only Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) location in McAllen where you can renew in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and closed on state holidays and weekends.

You can also renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements — you cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address or other information.

If you are renewing in person, arrive early. The McAllen office does not take appointments, and wait times often exceed one hour during mid-morning and early afternoon. Arriving before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • The McAllen DPS office is at 1500 South 10th Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with no appointments available.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to renew in person.
  • Standard renewal costs $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license in Texas.
  • Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to submit Form DL-44 along with required documents and payment.

Documents You Need to Bring In Person

Bring one primary identification document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A valid passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If your primary ID is expired, bring a secondary ID as well — a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill can serve this purpose.

You also need proof of residency showing your current McAllen address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works if it shows your name and address.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can provide the number verbally or on the process form. If you do not have either, bring documentation of your immigration status.

If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), bring your current CDL, medical certification form (MCSA-5876), and any required endorsement documents. Bring your original Social Security card or birth certificate if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18.

Renewal by Mail or Online

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. read or request Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Mail the completed form along with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $48 (four-year) or $96 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you do not need to update your address or personal information, and your license was not suspended or revoked. The fee is $48 for four years or $96 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at the McAllen office. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written exam depending on how long your license has been expired.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard four-year driver license renewal costs $48. An eight-year renewal costs $96. These are the base fees; additional charges explore if you need a duplicate license, a corrected license, or if you are adding endorsements such as a motorcycle endorsement.

At the McAllen office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. For online renewal, use a credit or debit card.

If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the fee is higher. A four-year CDL renewal costs $99, and an eight-year renewal costs $198. You may also pay a separate fee for medical certification if required.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew by mail, online, or in person using the standard process. You do not need to retake the written exam or vision test.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at the McAllen office. You will need to pass a vision test. Depending on how long your license has been expired and your age, you may also need to retake the written exam. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, bring documentation of your absence — such as military orders, a passport showing travel dates, or an employment letter. This may exempt you from retaking the written exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring expired documents as proof of residency. Your utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved to McAllen, bring a document showing your new address.

Do not attempt to renew online if you need to change your address or name. The online system will reject your process, and you will have to start over in person. If you moved recently, renew in person or by mail instead.

Do not forget your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot complete the renewal without it. If you do not have either, bring documentation of your immigration status before you go to the office.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, send only a check or money order. Cash can be lost or stolen in transit and DPS will not be able to trace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas DPS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court judgment. Contact the McAllen Municipal Court or the Hidalgo County District Court to pay or arrange a payment plan before you renew. Once the fine is paid, you can renew when ready.

How long does it take to renew in person at the McAllen office?

Wait times vary. During peak hours (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), expect to wait 45 minutes to over an hour. Early morning (before 9:00 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 4:00 p.m.) visits are typically faster. The actual renewal process at the window takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are called.

What if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?

You must renew in person at the McAllen office if you are changing your name. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and all other required documents. You cannot change your name by mail or online.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can renew if you have a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document. Bring your passport and current immigration status document along with all other required materials. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Texas DPS Driver License Division or the McAllen office to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Restoration requirements vary depending on the reason for suspension or revocation.