Texas driver's license renewal: what you need to know
In Texas, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all. Your license is valid for six or eight years depending on your age, and Texas sends you a reminder notice about 60 days before expiration — but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether your address has changed, and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers online renewal through the DPS website for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who have not changed their address.
- By-mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot change your photo or address this way.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want a new photo, or if you need to update your address.
- You will need your Social Security number, current Texas driver's license number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) for online or mail renewal.
- Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
Online renewal: the fastest option
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest path if your license is still valid and your information has not changed. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your current information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require DPS review. You also cannot renew online if you are over 79 years old — those renewals must happen in person.
The online renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license. You choose the term when you renew. Visit the Texas DPS website and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option to start.
By-mail renewal: lower cost, longer wait
Renewing by mail costs less than in-person renewal and requires no office visit. You request a renewal process by mail or read it from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope.
By-mail renewal works only if your license is still valid and your address has not changed. You cannot request a new photo this way, and you cannot update your name, address, or other personal information. If any of those things need to change, you must renew in person.
The by-mail renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for a six-year license — less than online or in-person because you are not using DPS office resources. Mail your process to the address provided on the form, and keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want a new photo, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are over 79 years old. Bring your current license (or expired license if yours has lapsed), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and a valid payment method.
Visit a DPS Driver License office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website. Many offices now use an online appointment system — check whether your location offers appointments, as walk-ins may face longer waits.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour from arrival to completion. You will have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee ($25 for four years or $50 for six years), and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as an active license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office. This requires the same documents as in-person renewal plus proof of citizenship or legal presence (a birth certificate, passport, or visa).
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number or temporary paper license as proof that renewal is underway, but this does not may provide you will not receive a citation.
Address changes and other updates
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address when you renew. Online and by-mail renewal do not allow address changes, so you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address and name.
Name changes (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition) also require in-person renewal. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will take a new photo and issue your license with the updated name.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Texas renewal fees depend on the license term you choose and the method you use. Online renewal costs $25 for four years or $50 for six years. By-mail renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for six years. In-person renewal costs the same as online. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check for online and by-mail renewal. In-person, you can also pay with cash or check.
If you are 65 or older, your renewal fee is reduced. A four-year license costs $10 online or in person, and a six-year license costs $20. By-mail renewal for seniors costs $6 for four years or $12 for six years. Bring proof of age (your current license or birth certificate) when renewing in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires without any penalty or loss of validity. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year (or more) in the future. This is useful if you want to renew early to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and by-mail renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in the same timeframe. Processing times may be longer during peak renewal periods.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person to report the loss and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of identity and residency. There is an additional fee for a replacement license if it was lost or stolen.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
Many Texas DPS offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce wait times. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are still accepted at most locations, but you may wait longer during busy hours.
What if my address changed but I want to renew by mail?
You cannot change your address through by-mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license and payment method.