How to Renew Your Driver's License in Texas

How Texas driver's license renewal works

In Texas, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Texas does not require you to pass a new written or driving test when you renew, unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless you are over 85. If your vision has changed significantly or you have a medical condition that affects your driving, DPS may ask you to take a vision test or provide a medical report.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not had certain violations, and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you cannot change your photo or address by mail.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address.
Texas charges $25 for a six-year renewal, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on which method you choose.
You must have a Social Security number on file with DPS to renew online; if you do not, you will need to renew in person or by mail.

Online renewal: fastest option if you may have access to

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest method if your license meets certain conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a suspension or revocation in the past five years, you do not need a new photo, and you do not need to change your name or address. You also cannot have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a hazmat endorsement.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You pay the $25 renewal fee by credit card or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.

If you are renewing online and want to update your address at the same time, you can do that during the process. However, if you need to change your name, add an endorsement, or get a new photo, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal: no office visit needed

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo or address change. To renew by mail, you will need to complete an process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by mail.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $25 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license or a government-issued ID. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process.

One limitation of mail renewal is that you cannot update your photo or address. If you need either of those changes, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

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 need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have a CDL or hazmat endorsement. You will also need to renew in person if you do not have a Social Security number on file with DPS.

To renew in person, visit a DPS Driver License office in your county. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You will have your photo taken at the office, and the new license is usually issued the same day or within a few days. The $25 renewal fee can be paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

What happens if your license expires

If your Texas driver's license expires, you can still drive legally for up to two years after the expiration date as long as you have applied for renewal and your process is pending. However, you cannot use an expired license as proof of identity for other purposes, such as buying alcohol or boarding a plane.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test. You will also need to pay the $25 renewal fee. Driving with a license expired by more than two years can result in a traffic citation.

If you are over 85 years old, you must renew in person every two years instead of every six years, and you must pass a vision test and a written test each time.

Real ID compliance and photo requirements

Texas driver's licenses are now Real ID compliant by default. This means your license can be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You do not need to do anything special to get Real ID compliance when you renew; it is included automatically.

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Your photo must meet federal standards: you must be facing the camera, your eyes must be open and visible, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat (except for religious reasons).

If you have changed your appearance significantly since your last photo was taken, or if your current photo is damaged or unclear, you can request a new photo during in-person renewal.

Cost and payment methods

A six-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee for all drivers under 85 years old. Drivers over 85 renew every two years and pay a reduced fee of approximately $13, though this amount may vary.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you can renew online or in person instead.

There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or photo updates during renewal, though you must renew in person to make those changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for less than two years. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal usually issues your license the same day or within a few days. Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new one to arrive.

Do I need to take a driving test when I renew in Texas?

No, you do not need to take a written or driving test for a standard renewal. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are over 85, or if DPS has concerns about your vision or medical fitness to drive, you may be required to take a test.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You can change your address online during online renewal. If you renew by mail, you cannot change your address; you must renew in person instead. In-person renewal allows you to update your address at the same time.

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot renew online without a Social Security number on file with DPS. You can renew by mail or in person instead. If you are renewing in person, bring documentation of your immigration status or other proof of identity that DPS accepts.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.