Where to renew your license in Tyler

In Tyler, you renew your driver license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is at 5402 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703. This is the only full-service DPS office in Smith County, so it handles all license renewals, replacements, and new applications for the area.

You can renew in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary by season. Call ahead at (903) 595-8000 to confirm current hours before you go, especially around holidays or if weather closures are possible.

Texas does not offer online renewal for standard driver licenses, so you must visit in person. However, you can renew by mail if you meet specific conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that require a new photo or vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tyler DPS office at 5402 S. Broadway Ave is where you renew your license in person, and it is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to renew.
  • A standard five-year renewal costs $25 if you are under 85; a six-year renewal for drivers 85 and older costs $15.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years or you need a new photo, you must renew in person rather than by mail.
  • Bring documents that prove your current name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license or a valid form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You also need proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead.

You must also prove your current address. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. A piece of mail with your name and current address is usually the fastest option. If you have recently moved and do not have a 90-day-old document yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement plus a recent utility bill in your name, even if the address on it is your old one — the DPS will accept both together.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy means the document has an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency.

What renewal costs and how long it takes

A standard five-year driver license renewal costs $25 if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, a six-year renewal costs $15. The DPS office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Checks are not accepted at the Tyler location.

Processing time at the Tyler DPS office is usually same-day or within a few hours if you arrive early in the morning. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delays can extend this.

If you are renewing by mail, the process takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Mail-in renewal is only an option if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you are between 18 and 84, and you have no medical conditions or vision restrictions that require a new photo.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

To renew by mail, you must complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License). You can read these forms from the Texas DPS website or pick them up at the Tyler office. Mail-in renewal is only available if your current license is not expired by more than two years, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you do not have any medical conditions or restrictions that require a new photo or vision test.

Include a copy of your proof of residency and your Social Security documentation with your process. Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS headquarters in Austin. Include a check or money order for $25 (or $15 if you are 85 or older). Do not send cash through the mail.

Keep in mind that if your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must visit the Tyler office in person. The same applies if you need a new photo, have a medical condition, or have any restrictions on your license.

If your license is expired or lost

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to the Tyler DPS office and costs $25 for a five-year license. You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a duplicate at the Tyler office. A duplicate costs $11 and is processed the same way as a renewal — you receive a temporary paper license and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to pass a vision test for a duplicate.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS or the court that issued it. Contact the Tyler DPS office or the Texas DPS website to find out the status of your license and what steps are required to restore it.

Real ID and standard license renewal

When you renew your driver license in Texas, you can choose between a standard license and a Real ID. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your license as identification for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not meet this federal standard.

If you want a Real ID, you must bring additional documents to prove your identity and citizenship. These include your birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or naturalization papers. You also need two proofs of residency instead of one. The Real ID costs the same as a standard license — $25 for five years — but requires an in-person visit and a new photo.

If you renew your standard license now, you can upgrade to a Real ID later without renewing again. Many people choose to keep their standard license and upgrade only when they need to travel by air or visit a federal facility.

What to expect at the Tyler DPS office

Arrive with all your documents ready. The office typically has a check-in process where you take a number and wait to be called. Wait times vary — early morning visits are usually faster than afternoon visits. On busy days, you might wait 30 minutes to an hour.

When you are called, a DPS employee will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and ask you to take a new photo. You will also take a vision test. If everything is in order, you will pay the renewal fee and receive your temporary paper license. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on your process.

If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, the DPS will tell you what you need to bring back. It is better to have extra documents than to make a second trip, so bring your original documents plus copies if you have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. You will need to visit the Tyler DPS office in person, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. The cost is the same as a renewal — $25 for a five-year license.

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

Your permanent license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days while you wait. Mail delays can extend this timeline, so plan accordingly if you need your license for travel.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can renew using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as your ITIN card or a letter from the IRS. The renewal process is the same, and the cost does not change.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver license in Tyler?

No. You can renew as a standard license without Real ID. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you will need a Real ID. You can upgrade to a Real ID when you renew, or you can keep your standard license and upgrade later without renewing again.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a renewal, not a replacement, so the cost is $25.