Where to renew your license in Waco

In Waco, you renew your driver license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main office serving Waco is located at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. You can walk in during business hours — typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location, so call ahead at (254) 750-3600 to confirm.

You do not have to renew in person if your license is not suspended and you meet certain conditions. Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, and mail renewal for others. The method you can use depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you have had a name change, and whether you need a new photo.

If you are renewing for the first time after a suspension or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The Waco location is the most convenient for residents in McLennan County.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waco DPS office is at 1100 Franklin Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should call (254) 750-3600 to confirm hours before you go.
  • If your license expired less than two years ago and you have no name changes or suspensions, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • A standard five-year renewal costs $25 in Texas, and a ten-year renewal for drivers 85 and older costs $20.
  • If you are renewing after a suspension or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license or ID card to the Waco DPS office. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work.

You also need proof of residency. Texas accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current address. If you have recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you are renewing after a suspension, bring any documents related to the reason for suspension — for example, proof of insurance if your license was suspended for driving without coverage.

Online and mail renewal options

Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no name changes since your last renewal, and your license was not suspended. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $25 for a five-year renewal, and the new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it to the address on the form along with a check or money order for $25. Processing takes two to three weeks.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to the Waco DPS office in person. The same applies if you have had a name change, if your license was suspended, or if you need a new photo.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard five-year driver license renewal in Texas costs $25. If you are 85 or older, a ten-year renewal costs $20. These fees cover the license itself and are the same whether you renew in person, online, or by mail.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, that costs an additional $11. If you are renewing after a suspension and the DPS requires a vision test or driving test, those are included in the renewal fee — you do not pay extra.

The Waco DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order.

Renewing after a suspension or lapsed license

If your license was suspended, you cannot renew it — you must first have the suspension lifted. Contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving without insurance. Each has different steps to restore your license.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew at the Waco DPS office. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared — usually a letter from DPS or the court. You will also need to pay the $25 renewal fee.

If your license has been expired for more than two years but was never suspended, you still must renew in person at the Waco office. Bring all the documents listed above. The renewal process is the same, but the DPS may require a new photo and may ask you to retake the vision test.

How long renewal takes

In-person renewal at the Waco DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You may wait longer during lunch hours or on Fridays. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive home with it the same day.

Online renewal takes seven to ten business days for the license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person is the fastest option.

If the DPS needs to verify information or if there is a problem with your process, processing may take longer. The office will contact you by phone or mail if that happens.

Real ID and standard license differences

Texas offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

If you are renewing a standard license, you will receive a standard license unless you ask for a Real ID upgrade. To upgrade to Real ID during renewal, bring an additional document proving your citizenship or lawful presence — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. The Real ID fee is $25, the same as a standard renewal.

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, your renewed license will also be Real ID-compliant at no extra cost. You do not need to bring citizenship documents again unless the DPS asks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you must renew in person at the Waco DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

What if I have moved since my last renewal?

Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your new name yet, a signed lease or landlord letter works. You can update your address during renewal at no extra cost.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your old photo is used. If you renew in person at the Waco office, you can request a new photo, but it is not required unless your license has been expired for more than two years or the DPS asks for one.

What happens if my license was suspended?

You cannot renew a suspended license. You must first have the suspension lifted by contacting the Texas DPS or the court that issued it. Once lifted, you can renew at the Waco office. Bring proof the suspension has been cleared.

How much does renewal cost?

A standard five-year renewal costs $25. If you are 85 or older, a ten-year renewal costs $20. A Real ID upgrade during renewal also costs $25. The Waco DPS office accepts cash, check, and card.