How Texas Driver License Renewal Works

Texas lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

Your Texas license is valid for four or eight years depending on which you chose when you last renewed. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a driver license office in person and pass the written test again.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo.
  • Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a driver license office in person and retake the written test.
  • You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so plan ahead to avoid driving on an expired license.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower than online; in-person renewal is required if you need a new photo or have other changes to your record.

Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not changing your address, name, or photo. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you want to be an organ donor. The system will ask you to confirm your photo from your last license — you cannot upload a new one online.

After you submit your information and pay the fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives, even if the old one has expired, as long as you have your confirmation number with you.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you want a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver license (CDL). In those cases, you must visit a driver license office.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. You will need to request a renewal process from the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or read it from the DPS website. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. You will receive your new license by mail. Like online renewal, you can continue to drive on your expired license as long as your process is in process, though it is safer to keep proof that you have submitted it.

Renewing in Person at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have a commercial driver license. Visit any Texas driver license office with your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years), proof of residency, and proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days. Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the written test again. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas DPS driver handbook, which is free online. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until your new one arrives.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

For any in-person renewal, bring your current or expired driver license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.

If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need to gather documents beforehand — the system will confirm your information from your existing record. However, if your address or name has changed since your last renewal, you must go in person and bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order counts as proof of a name change. A utility bill or lease in your new name counts as proof of an address change.

If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them when you go in for your photo. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor — the DPS may place restrictions on your license.

Finding a Driver License Office and Checking Wait Times

Texas has driver license offices in most cities and towns. Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you, see its hours, and check current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities.

You do not have to renew at the office closest to you. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit any other Texas driver license office. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can save you time. Check the office locator to see if your nearest office offers appointments.

Renewing a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a driver license office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875) if your CDL is not classified as intrastate only. You will need to pass a written test covering commercial driving rules and vehicle operation.

CDL renewal takes longer than regular license renewal because the written test is more complex and the office must verify your medical status. Plan to spend at least an hour at the office. Your temporary CDL will be issued on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. If you need a new photo or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a Texas driver license office in person, which means traveling back to Texas.

What happens if I drive on an expired license in Texas?

Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation. However, if your renewal is in process and you have your confirmation number (for online renewal) or proof that you mailed your process, you may not be cited. It is safer to renew before your license expires.

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

A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. You choose which length you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Can I change my address when I renew my driver license?

You can change your address online or by mail if you are renewing online or by mail. If you are renewing in person, you can change your address at the driver license office. You will need to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot change your name online or by mail.