You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long your license has been expired
Texas lets you renew an expired driver's license through three different routes, and which one you can use depends on how expired it is. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or by mail without visiting a DPS office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring documents to prove your identity and residency. Online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it only works if you still have the same address and haven't had any major changes to your license information.
The cost to renew is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you'll pay the same amount regardless of which method you choose. Texas does not charge extra fees for online or mail renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes minutes and costs $25 or $50, but only works if your license expired fewer than two years ago and your address hasn't changed.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online renewal and takes about two weeks total, including mailing time.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you must bring a government-issued ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card or by logging into your DPS account online.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with the state. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and you'll receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit your payment.
Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years, your address is still the same, and you have not had any changes to your name, vision correction requirements, or other license restrictions. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. After you pay the $25 or $50 fee online, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal if you don't want to go online
To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Include a check or money order for $25 (five-year license) or $50 (eight-year license) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the DPS website — the address changes depending on which region of Texas you live in, so check the website before you mail anything. Your process will be processed within two to three weeks of arrival, and your new license will be mailed to you after that. The total time from mailing to receiving your new license is usually three to four weeks. Like online renewal, mail renewal only works if your license expired fewer than two years ago and your information hasn't changed.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
If your license expired more than two years ago, or if your address, name, or other information has changed, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. Bring your expired driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the original documents — a photocopy of your proof of residency is acceptable.
Visit the Texas DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes. You'll pay the renewal fee ($25 or $50) at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license when ready, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your Texas driver's license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through any of the three standard methods. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying outstanding traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying other court or DPS requirements. Contact the Texas DPS directly at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can renew your license using whichever method applies to your situation (online, mail, or in-person). If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the Texas DPS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.
Getting a Real ID-compliant license during renewal
If you're renewing your license in person, you have the option to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license at the same time. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. The Real ID upgrade costs an additional $16 on top of your renewal fee, making the total $41 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
To get a Real ID license, bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal (expired license, government-issued photo ID, and proof of residency) plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You cannot upgrade to Real ID through online or mail renewal — you must do it in person at a DPS office. If you don't upgrade during this renewal, you can always add Real ID to your license at your next renewal or by visiting a DPS office before your current license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
No, it is illegal to drive with an expired license in Texas. If you renewed online or by mail, you can carry your confirmation number as proof that you've applied for renewal, though a police officer may still cite you. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at a DPS office and request a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days.
What if I moved to a different address since my license was issued?
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The office will update your address during the renewal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
After you complete your renewal (online, by mail, or in person), your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person and requested a temporary paper license, that temporary license is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as your license expired fewer than two years ago and your information hasn't changed. If your license expired more than two years ago or your information has changed, you'll need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office when you return to the state.
What if my license was lost or stolen instead of just expired?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Go to a Texas DPS office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, the same as renewal. You can request a temporary paper license at the office while you wait for your replacement card.