How to Renew Your Driver's License in Texas

The fastest way to renew in Texas depends on whether you can renew by mail or online

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in minutes from home if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical conditions or name changes to report. If you do not meet the online requirements, mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary only if you need a new photo, have a suspended license, or are renewing after a long lapse.

Your renewal method depends on your license status and what has changed since you last renewed. The Texas DPS website lets you check your may be able to access for online renewal before you start. If you are not sure which route applies to you, knowing your license expiration date and whether anything on your record has changed will narrow it down.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes minutes and works if your license expired less than two years ago and nothing on your record has changed.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, payment, and your current license, and takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired more than two years, you have a medical condition, your name has changed, or you need a new photo.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration depending on your method.
Renewal fees vary by license type and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant license, and payment methods differ by renewal method.

Online renewal: the fastest option if you are may be able to access

To renew online through the Texas DPS website, you need a valid Texas driver's license that expired less than two years ago, no medical conditions to report, no name changes, and no active suspensions or holds. You will also need a valid email address and a method to pay the renewal fee — Texas accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks online.

The process takes about five to ten minutes. Log into your account on the Texas DPS website, verify your personal information, choose your license type (standard or REAL ID), pay the fee, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email when ready. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal in most cases. A standard eight-year license renewal costs around $25 to $30 online, depending on your age and license type. A REAL ID-compliant license costs more — typically $40 to $50 — because it requires additional processing.

Mail renewal: two to three weeks if you cannot renew online

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago but you do not meet the online requirements — for example, if you have a medical condition to report or your name has changed. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process), include your current license, and send payment to the address on the form.

read the correct form from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including any changes to your address, medical information, or emergency contact. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — Texas does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail your packet to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process, not from the date you mail it.

Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery. If your process is incomplete or DPS needs more information, they will contact you by mail, which adds time to the process. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved.

In-person renewal at a DPS office: when you must go in person

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired more than two years, you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, your name has changed, you need a new photo, or you have an active suspension or hold on your record. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your license type — for example, from a standard license to a REAL ID.

Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and payment. Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times for your local office on the Texas DPS website before you go. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.

REAL ID versus standard license: what the difference means for renewal

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

If you renew online or by mail and do not specify REAL ID, you will receive a standard license. If you want to switch to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring additional documents: proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of legal presence in the United States (birth certificate, passport, or visa). REAL ID renewal costs more — typically $15 to $20 extra — and takes longer because DPS must verify your documents.

If you already have a REAL ID license and renew online or by mail, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant as long as nothing on your record has changed. You do not need to bring extra documents or pay extra fees to keep your REAL ID status during renewal.

Timeline and important date: when you can renew and when you must

Texas lets you renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, you can start renewing on June 15 of the previous year. Renewing early is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches.

You can also renew after your license expires, but the method depends on how long it has been expired. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If your license has been expired more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on DPS policy at the time of renewal.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are pulled over, you can face a ticket and fine. If your license has been expired more than two years, you cannot legally drive until you renew. Plan your renewal so your new license arrives before your current one expires, or renew in person before the expiration date if you need the license when ready.

Fees and payment methods for each renewal route

Renewal fees in Texas depend on your age, license type, and renewal method. A standard eight-year driver's license for someone under 85 costs around $25 to $30 for online or mail renewal. A REAL ID license costs $40 to $50. Drivers 85 and older pay a reduced fee, typically around $10 to $15. Fees can change, so check the Texas DPS website for current pricing before you renew.

Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. 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 will need to go in person or renew online instead.

Some DPS offices offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full fee at once, though this is not available for online renewal. Call your local DPS office to ask whether a payment plan is an option in your area.

What to do if your license is suspended or you have a hold on your record

If your license is suspended or you have a hold on your record — for example, due to unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a medical condition — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a DPS office. DPS will tell you what needs to be resolved before your license can be renewed. This might mean paying fines, clearing a child support issue, or providing medical documentation.

Contact the Texas DPS before you go to the office to find out what documents or payments are needed. You can call the DPS customer service line or visit your local office to ask. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip. Once you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension or hold, you can complete your renewal at the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. You must have a Texas address to renew a Texas driver's license. If you moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Texas but moved to a new address, you can renew online or by mail and update your address during the renewal process.

What happens if I renew online but my process is rejected?

If your online process is rejected, DPS will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a medical condition that needs to be reported, a name change, or an active suspension. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead. DPS will tell you in the rejection email what documents or information you need to provide.

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 want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. In-person renewal always includes a new photo. If your current photo is more than eight years old, DPS may require a new photo even if you renew by mail.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your in-person renewal. Your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. You can use the temporary license to drive and for identification until the permanent license arrives.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license. You cannot authorize someone else to renew it for you, even a family member. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, but the process must come from you.

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.