What form you need to renew in Texas

To renew your Texas driver license by mail or online, you do not need to fill out a separate form. Instead, you use the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) online renewal system or mail in your current license with a check or money order. If you renew in person at a DPS office, staff will hand you the necessary paperwork on site — you do not order it ahead of time.

The only situation where you fill out a form before arriving is if you are renewing a Commercial Driver License (CDL). For that, you need Form DL-43, which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Most standard driver license renewals skip the form step entirely.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have had a suspension or denial, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DPS office, and staff will tell you what documents to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver license renewals do not require you to submit a form; you renew online, by mail, or in person without paperwork.
  • Commercial Driver License (CDL) renewals require Form DL-43, which you read from the Texas DPS website or obtain at a DPS office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no suspensions or restrictions.
  • Mail-in renewal requires your current license, a check or money order, and takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your package.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago or you have a suspension, you must renew in person and bring documents like proof of residency and citizenship.

Online renewal: no form needed

The Texas DPS online renewal system is the fastest and most straightforward path. You go to the Texas DPS website, enter your driver license number and date of birth, answer security questions, review your information, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is not expired, or expired less than two years ago, and you have no active suspensions, denials, or restrictions on your record. If you have a Real ID endorsement and want to keep it, the online system will preserve it automatically — you do not need to request it separately.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it will explain why. Common reasons include an address change that requires verification, a medical condition flag, or a prior suspension. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail-in renewal: what to send

To renew by mail, send your current Texas driver license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount varies depending on how many years you are renewing for), and a signed letter stating your name, date of birth, and driver license number. Do not send cash. Mail your package to the address listed on the Texas DPS website under "Mail Renewals" — the address changes depending on your county, so check the site before you mail anything.

The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. From the time they receive your package, expect four to six weeks before your new license is mailed to you. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal.

Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a suspension or denial, or if you have changed your address and have not updated it with DPS. If any of those explore, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). You do not fill out a form beforehand — the office staff will process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is printed when ready, and you leave with it the same day.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have an active suspension or denial, if you are renewing a CDL, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information. It is also the only option if the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly — check the Texas DPS website to see if your local office offers appointments.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) renewal and Form DL-43

If you hold a CDL, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office, and you need to bring Form DL-43 (the Commercial Driver License process). You can read it from the Texas DPS website, print it, and fill it out before you go, or you can pick up a blank form at the DPS office and fill it out there.

Form DL-43 asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, medical certification status, and information about any traffic violations or suspensions. You must sign the form in front of a DPS employee. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your medical certificate (if your CDL requires one). The DPS office will issue your new CDL on the spot.

CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because DPS must verify your medical status and check your driving record for violations. The office will tell you on the day you explore whether you are approved or if additional documents are needed.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DPS will treat your renewal as a standard in-person transaction and issue a new license the same day.

If your license is suspended or denied, you cannot renew it until the suspension or denial is lifted. Contact the Texas DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a prior DWI conviction. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew in person at a DPS office.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the Texas DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth. The site will tell you when ready if there are any holds or restrictions on your record.

Real ID and renewal

If your current Texas driver license has a Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), your renewal will automatically include Real ID status — you do not need to request it or bring extra documents. If your current license does not have a Real ID star and you want to add it during renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two forms of proof of residency.

Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you do not have Real ID and plan to fly or visit a federal facility, add it during your renewal. The cost is the same whether you renew with or without Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver license from that state instead. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents you need to bring.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver license?

The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Check the Texas DPS website for the current fee, as prices can change. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew a license you do not have. Instead, you must get a replacement license by going to a DPS office in person with proof of residency and payment. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any method (online, mail, or in person) when it expires.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you get your new license the same day. If you renew online, your license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, expect four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your package.

Do I need to take a written test or eye exam to renew my license?

No. Standard renewals do not require a written test or eye exam. However, if DPS has a medical concern on your record, or if you are renewing a CDL, you may be asked to provide updated medical documentation or take a vision test at the DPS office.