How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Texas

You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If you fit that description, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is too old, you need to update your address, or you have a medical condition to report—you must visit a DPS driver license office in person. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and has no suspensions, revocations, or medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a DPS driver license office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your address, or you have medical conditions to report.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online; cash, check, or card at the office).
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can request a temporary paper license at the office if you need to drive when ready.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your current 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.

Next, review your personal information on file—name, address, date of birth, and any medical conditions. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal; you must go to an office instead. If everything else is correct, you can proceed to payment. Texas accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals.

After you pay, the system will confirm your renewal and give you a confirmation number. Save or print this number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Offices." You can schedule an appointment online, which is faster than walking in, though some offices still accept walk-ins. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method.

At the office, a DPS employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. If your address has changed, bring a document that shows your new address. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving—such as vision loss or a seizure disorder—tell the employee; they may add restrictions to your license or require a medical report from your doctor.

Payment at the office can be made by cash, check, or debit or credit card. The cost is the same as online: $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days if you need to drive before your new license arrives by mail.

When your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person. The office will treat your renewal as a standard renewal, not a late renewal, so you will not face additional fees or penalties—you straightforward pay the standard renewal cost.

Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid payment method. The DPS will take a new photo and issue your renewed license. If you have moved since your license expired, bring a document showing your current address.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired Texas driver's license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired, but it typically ranges from $100 to $200 for a license expired less than one year. If your license expired more than one year ago, the fine can be higher.

If your license is suspended or revoked (not straightforward expired), driving is illegal and carries much steeper penalties, including possible arrest. Check your license status at dps.texas.gov before driving if you are unsure whether it is valid.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must go to a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you need to change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must also visit an office in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra cost beyond the standard renewal fee.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can request a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your new plastic license is being mailed to you. The temporary license is printed at the office and given to you when ready.

If you renew online, you cannot get a temporary license. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If your old license is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an office to get a replacement or temporary license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it has been expired for five years?

No, you cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person. The office will process your renewal at the standard cost with no additional penalty—you straightforward pay $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?

You must visit a DPS office to update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days, along with your current license and payment.

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

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. Your old license remains valid to drive until the new one arrives. If you need to drive when ready after an in-person renewal, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue first. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then renew your license online or in person.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website, which is faster than walking in. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but appointment holders are typically seen first. Check your local office's policy on the DPS website.

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.