Renewing Your License in Denton
In Denton, you renew your driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can do this in person at the Denton DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website for standard renewals. Most people renew before their current license expires, though Texas allows a grace period of up to two years after expiration if you need to renew late.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Each route has different requirements and takes different amounts of time.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Denton DPS office, depending on your situation and how soon you need your new license.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option for standard renewals, but you must have a valid license and cannot change your address or other personal details.
- In-person renewal at the Denton DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is required if you need to update your address, change your name, or renew an expired license.
- Mail renewal is available but slower; you must send your current license and completed process to the DPS and wait several weeks for your new license to arrive.
- Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years, and you should begin the renewal process at least two months before your expiration date.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You go to the Texas DPS website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about your current license, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal — currently $25 for a six-year license — but this price can change, so check the Texas DPS website before you start.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address or personal details, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing in Person at the Denton DPS Office
The Denton DPS office is located at 1414 West University Drive, Denton, TX 76201. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early mornings and mid-week visits tend to be less crowded. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is currently $25 for a six-year license, though you should confirm this on the Texas DPS website.
The in-person process takes 30 minutes to an hour from arrival to completion. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your current license, and receive your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your new license when ready.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or personal information. You complete the renewal process (Form DL-44), include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail both to the Texas DPS address listed on the form along with your payment. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they are received, which typically takes three to four weeks.
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal — currently $25 for a six-year license. You should mail your process at least six weeks before your license expires to account for mail delivery time and processing time at the DPS. During the time your process is being processed, you can continue to drive on your current license.
Mail renewal is slower than the other two methods and carries the small risk that your envelope could be lost in transit. For this reason, many people choose online or in-person renewal instead.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
Texas allows you to renew your license up to two years after it expires without penalty. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at the Denton DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you are not legally permitted to drive. You should renew as soon as possible. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number to the Denton DPS office.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Receive New License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current valid driver's license (information only; no physical document needed) | 7 to 10 business days by mail |
| By Mail | Current driver's license, completed Form DL-44, proof of residency | 3 to 4 weeks |
| In Person at Denton DPS Office | Current driver's license, proof of residency, Social Security card or document showing SSN, payment | Same day |
Updating Your Address or Personal Information
If you have moved since your last license was issued or need to change your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to the Denton DPS office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and if you have changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.
The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal — you will have your photo taken, answer questions, and receive your new license on the spot. The fee is the same as online or mail renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for six years from the date of renewal. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must go to the Denton DPS office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee, which is different from a renewal fee.
How much does it cost to renew in Denton?
Online and mail renewal currently cost $25 for a six-year license. In-person renewal costs $25 as well. Prices can change, so check the Texas DPS website before you renew to confirm the current fee.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the Denton DPS office?
No. The Denton DPS office accepts walk-ins without appointments. However, you can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. Early mornings and mid-week visits are typically less crowded than afternoons and Fridays.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can renew it using the standard methods.