Where to renew your license in San Antonio
In San Antonio, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main office that serves San Antonio residents is located at 4615 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229. There is also a satellite office at 7959 Wurzbach Road. Both locations handle standard renewals, but wait times and hours vary between them.
You do not have to renew in person for every renewal cycle. Texas allows mail-in renewal for certain situations — if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and your current license is not damaged. If you are not sure whether you may have access to for mail renewal, the DPS website has a tool that checks your specific case.
If you choose to go in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for residency proof.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
- Mail-in renewal is free and takes about two weeks, but only works if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office in San Antonio costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $16 more and require proof of citizenship or lawful presence, but let you board domestic flights without a passport.
Renewal timelines and expiration dates
Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting one year before that date, so if your birthday is in March 2025, you can renew as early as March 2024. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your next birthday.
If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. If you renew in person at a DPS office in San Antonio, you will receive your license on the spot. Do not wait until your birthday week to renew — DPS offices in San Antonio often have long wait times during peak periods, and you cannot legally drive on an expired license.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it. Texas does not have a grace period, so an expired license is invalid when ready. You will need to renew in person; mail renewal is not an option once your license has expired.
Standard renewal versus Real ID
Texas offers two types of renewed licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building.
A standard renewal costs $33 for five years or $66 for eight years. You need only your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You can renew by mail or in person.
A Real ID license costs $16 more than the standard renewal ($49 for five years, $82 for eight years). It requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — in addition to the standard documents. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight; a standard driver's license will not be accepted. You must renew in person to get a Real ID; it cannot be done by mail.
How to renew by mail
To renew by mail, visit the Texas DPS website and use their mail renewal tool to confirm you are not suspended and meet the other requirements. If you may have access to, you will receive instructions to mail your current license, a completed renewal form (DL-43), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the DPS mail processing center.
The address for mailing is provided on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your new license mailed back to you; otherwise, you can pick it up at a DPS office. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your materials.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license is suspended, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if your current license is damaged, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a San Antonio DPS office
Walk in to either the Medical Drive or Wurzbach Road DPS office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. You will take a new photo and sign a form. If you want a Real ID, bring your birth certificate or passport as well.
Wait times vary. The Medical Drive office is busier than Wurzbach Road, especially on weekday mornings and early afternoons. If you can go on a weekday morning before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m., you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoons. Check the DPS website for current wait times before you go.
You will pay the renewal fee in cash or card at the office and receive your new license when ready. Keep your receipt — it serves as a temporary license until your new one arrives in the mail if there is any delay in printing.
Documents you need to bring
| Document Type | Standard Renewal | Real ID Renewal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current driver's license | Yes | Yes | Original only. Expired licenses are accepted. |
| Proof of residency | Yes | Yes | Utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days. Original or certified copy. |
| Social Security number | Yes | Yes | You will provide this verbally or on a form. Card not required. |
| Proof of citizenship or lawful presence | No | Yes | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization papers, or visa. Original or certified copy. |
What happens if your license is suspended
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it. You must first clear the suspension with the Texas DPS. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. The DPS website has a tool to check your suspension status and the reason for it.
Once you resolve the underlying issue — paying the fine, appearing in court, or settling the child support debt — contact the agency that suspended your license to request removal. This can take several days to several weeks depending on the reason. After the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license by mail or in person.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I moved to San Antonio from another state?
Yes. If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can renew it as a Texas license in person at a DPS office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. You will take a new photo and pay the Texas renewal fee. You cannot renew an out-of-state license by mail.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail if your license is lost or damaged. Go to a DPS office in person and tell them your license is lost. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $11) plus the renewal fee. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. You will receive a new license on the spot.
How long does a renewed license stay valid?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five or eight years, depending on which you choose at renewal. A Real ID license is also valid for five or eight years. Your expiration date is always your birthday, regardless of how long the license is valid.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No. DPS offices in San Antonio operate on a walk-in basis. You do not need to schedule an appointment. However, you can check the current wait time on the DPS website before you go to decide whether to visit now or come back later.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot renew by mail with a name change.