Texas driver license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to change information like your address or name. Most people renew online through the Texas DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
If you cannot renew online — because your license expired more than two years ago, or because you need to update your photo or personal details — you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal takes one visit and produces your new license on the spot. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks but avoids a trip to an office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and produces your new license when ready.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks but works for people who cannot visit an office, as long as your license expired within the last two years.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
- Texas charges $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change your photo, address, or legal name. Go to the Texas DPS website, click "Renew Your Driver License Online," and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and other information.
You will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need a Real ID (the federal standard required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025), or if you want to change your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit a Texas DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your photo, if you need a Real ID, or if you prefer to walk out with your new license the same day. Bring your current or expired driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days).
The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can check wait times at your local DPS office on the Texas DPS website before you go.
If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. This is not common, but it can happen if your record shows a long lapse. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask whether you will need to test.
Mail renewal for people who cannot visit an office
You can renew by mail if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change your photo or personal information. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current or expired driver license.
Mail your renewal at least four to six weeks before you need the new license, because processing takes that long. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait.
What to do if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
The DPS may ask you to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired and what your driving record shows. If you need to test, you will take the exam at the DPS office during your visit. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. The office will issue your new license the same day if you pass.
Real ID and what it means for renewal
A Real ID is a federal standard for driver licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Texas license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID.
You can get a Real ID only by renewing in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or immigration document), proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
If you do not need a Real ID yet, you can renew your standard license online or by mail. But if you plan to fly or visit a federal building after May 7, 2025, renew in person for the Real ID at the same time.
Changing your address, name, or other information during renewal
If you need to change your address, you can do it during online renewal without visiting an office. Log in to the Texas DPS website, go to "Change Your Address," and update your information. The change takes effect when ready and costs nothing.
If you need to change your legal name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name the same day.
If you need a new photo because your appearance has changed significantly, you must also renew in person. You cannot upload a new photo online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can renew normally.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS to check the status. In-person renewal produces your license the same day.
What if I move to a different state before my Texas license expires?
You do not have to renew your Texas license. You can get a driver license in your new state whenever you are ready. Your Texas license will remain valid until it expires, even if you no longer live in Texas.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?
You can continue to drive on your expired license while your renewal is in the mail, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal (like a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing it). Keep that proof with you while driving.