How Texas Driver License Renewal Works
In Texas, you can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Texas driver license is valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you received it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, and you have a grace period of up to 60 days after expiration to renew without penalty in most cases.
Key Takeaways
- Texas allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process, while online renewal is faster.
- You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL).
- The renewal fee in Texas is $25 for a six-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
- You can check your license expiration date and renewal status on the DPS website using your driver license number and date of birth.
Renewing Online Through the DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not required to appear in person. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
You will need to pay the renewal fee with a credit card or debit card. After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two weeks. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail first.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are under 18, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a CDL. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Texas Driver License (Form DL-43) from the DPS website, or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver license if possible.
Mail your process to the DPS address shown in the instructions. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: you cannot use this method if your license is suspended, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a CDL. You also cannot change your address by mail; address changes must be made in person or online through a separate transaction.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office to renew in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing a CDL, bring your current CDL and any required medical certificates or endorsement documents.
You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the office. Processing times vary by location; some offices issue licenses when ready, while others mail them. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, if you are under 18, or if you are renewing a CDL. You can also renew in person even if you are not required to, if you prefer to receive your license when ready or need to change your address at the same time.
What Documents You Need
For any renewal method, have your current Texas driver license ready. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of residency such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document showing your name and address. A bank statement or insurance document typically does not count as proof of residency.
If you are renewing a CDL, bring your current CDL and any medical certificates required by federal law. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you are renewing online or by mail and do not need to change your address or photo, you do not need to submit additional documents. The DPS system will verify your information using records it already has on file.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a standard Texas driver license is $25 for a six-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same regardless of your age or how you renew. If you are renewing a CDL, the fee is higher and depends on the type of endorsements you hold.
For online renewal, pay with a credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.
If your process is denied or you do not complete the renewal process, the fee is not refunded. If you submit payment and then change your mind before your process is processed, contact the DPS to ask about a refund; the decision depends on how far along your process is.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | When You Get Your License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | when ready confirmation; mailing takes 1–2 weeks | Mailed to your address on file |
| 2–3 weeks from receipt by DPS | Mailed to the address you provide | |
| In Person | Same day or 1–5 days depending on office | Issued on the spot or mailed within a few days |
After you submit your renewal process, you can check the status on the DPS website using your driver license number and date of birth. The status will show whether your process has been received, is being processed, or is ready for pickup or delivery.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives or is issued. You do not need to stop driving while you wait for your renewal to be processed. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can show a printed copy of your renewal confirmation as proof that you have applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if it has been expired for more than 60 days?
Yes, you can renew an expired license at any time. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to retake the written test and pass a vision screening in person at a DPS office. Contact your local DPS office to find out what is required in your situation.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
If you renew online, you can change your address before you start the renewal process through a separate online transaction. If you renew by mail, you cannot change your address on the same process; you must change it in person or online separately. If you renew in person, you can change your address at the same time.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Texas driver license?
A new photo is required every time you renew. You cannot renew online or by mail if you need a new photo; you must visit a DPS office in person. The DPS will take your photo at the office when you renew.
How long is a renewed Texas driver license valid?
A renewed license is valid for six or eight years, depending on your age. Drivers 18 to 84 years old typically receive an eight-year license. Drivers under 18 or over 84 receive a six-year license. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.
What happens if I lose my license before the renewal arrives?
If your new license has not arrived and you lose your old one, you can request a duplicate license in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of residency and payment for the duplicate fee. You can also check the status of your renewal online to see if it has been mailed; if it has, contact DPS to ask about reissuing it to a different address.