How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing Your Texas Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $25. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few hours but lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on your age, how long it's been since you last renewed, and whether you've had any address changes or suspensions. If you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to go to a DPS office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25, takes 7 to 10 business days, and works only if your license is not suspended, you're between 18 and 84 years old, and you renewed in person within the last 10 years.
Mail renewal costs $25 and takes 2 to 3 weeks, but you must request an process form first and your license cannot be suspended or expired for more than two years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) if you want a Real ID license, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready.
If your license has been suspended or you haven't renewed in more than 10 years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration without penalty.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest way to renew if you're may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Online Services," and create an account or log in. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records and tell you when ready whether you can renew online.

Online renewal costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You cannot change your address online — if you've moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address.

You're may be able to access for online renewal only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you're between 18 and 84 years old, you renewed in person at a DPS office within the last 10 years, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If any of these don't explore to you, skip to the in-person or mail sections below.

Mail Renewal by Requesting an process

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require a trip to a DPS office. You cannot fill out a form online and mail it in — instead, you must first request an process form from the Texas DPS. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a DPS office to request a renewal process. Once you receive it by mail, fill it out, include a check or money order for $25, and mail it back to the address printed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your completed process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. You can change your address on the process if you've moved.

You're may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is not suspended and has not been expired for more than two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew by any method.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if it's been expired for more than two years, if you haven't renewed in more than 10 years, or if you want to change your address and don't want to wait for mail delivery. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address).

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal requirements for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building — you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID. A standard Texas driver's license without Real ID compliance is still valid for driving but cannot be used for federal purposes after May 7, 2025.

In-person renewal costs $25 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID license. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring a check, money order, or debit/credit card — most DPS offices do not accept cash.

If you haven't renewed in more than 10 years or your license has been suspended, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. Call your local DPS office before you go to find out whether you'll need to test.

Finding a DPS Office and Making an Appointment

Texas DPS has offices in most cities and counties. Find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Many offices now require appointments, especially in urban areas. You can book an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times can be several hours.

Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings. Check the hours for your specific office before you go. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions in Texas are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, unpaid court costs, or accumulating too many traffic violations. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DWI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, visit the Texas DPS website and use the "Check Driver License Status" tool, or call 1-888-589-6789. If your license is suspended, you'll need to resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, satisfy the court order, or complete a required program — before you can renew. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your other circumstances.

Real ID Compliance and What You Need to Know

A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another federally approved ID (passport, military ID, or passport card) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Texas driver's license without the gold star will no longer be accepted for these purposes.

If you renew in person and bring the required documents — birth certificate, passport, or military ID — you can request a Real ID license for an additional $7 (total cost $32 instead of $25). If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a standard license without Real ID compliance. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DPS office in person with your proof of identity and paying the $7 upgrade fee.

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. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year from the date you renew (or longer if you're over 79). This is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license or if you want to change your address before your current license expires.

What if my Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago?

You must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You may also be required to retake the written test and vision test. Call your local DPS office to ask whether testing is required before you go.

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

Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is your only option.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, DPS will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person instead.

What if I've moved since my last license was issued?

You can change your address during mail renewal or in-person renewal by providing proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Online renewal does not allow address changes — if you've moved, you must renew by mail or in person. Bring your proof of residency with you or include it with your mail process.

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.