How to Renew Your Driver's License in Texas

The fastest way to renew in Texas

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you are may be able to access — you complete the process in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Not everyone can renew online; the state restricts it to people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who meet a few other conditions. If you cannot renew online, mail and in-person renewal are your next options.

Your renewal timeline depends on when your license expires. Texas sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process takes longer and may require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
You are may be able to access for online renewal only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the DPS.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license is expired by more than two years or if you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

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 will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in one sitting.

Online renewal costs $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before you renew, you must do that in person or by mail — the online system does not allow address changes. The same applies if you need to update your name, medical information, or organ donor status.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, if you have certain medical conditions that require a new photo, or if you are over 85 years old. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal for Texas driver's licenses

To renew by mail, request an process form from the Texas DPS or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, include your current license, and send both to the address listed on the form along with your payment. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $16 for five years or $32 for eight years. The DPS will process your process and mail your new license to you, which typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope.

Mail renewal works for most people, but there are limits. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you have a suspended or revoked license. You also cannot renew by mail if you are over 85 or if you need a new photo for medical reasons. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.

When you mail in your process, send it to the address on the form, not to a local DPS office. The state processes mail renewals at a central location. Include a copy of your payment confirmation if you pay by check, and allow extra time during busy periods — the two to three week estimate can stretch during high-volume months.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit your local Texas DPS office to renew in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment. The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office and the type of license. In-person renewal usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you have a medical condition that requires a new photo, or if you are over 85. It is also the only option if your license is suspended or revoked. You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website.

Bring your current license and proof of residency to speed up the process. If you do not have proof of residency, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a bank statement and a utility bill. Payment is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and the DPS accepts cash, check, and card.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS treats licenses expired beyond two years as invalid for driving, so you should not drive with an expired license — renew as soon as you can.

When you renew an expired license in person, bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DPS will process it the same way and issue a new license with a new expiration date. There is no additional fee or penalty for renewing a license that has been expired, but the longer you wait, the more likely you are to need an in-person visit.

License validity periods and expiration dates

Texas driver's licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age when you renew. If you are under 85, you can choose a five-year license ($16) or an eight-year license ($32). If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for five years only and you must renew in person. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license, and the state sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before that date.

You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early is a good idea if you travel or if you want to avoid the rush during busy renewal periods. Your new license will have a new expiration date that is five or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will tell you whether you can renew or whether you need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. In many cases, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete a required course before you can renew.

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

Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days and 2 to 3 weeks respectively. In-person renewal usually gives you a license on the spot, though some offices mail it instead. Check with your local DPS office to find out whether they issue licenses when ready or by mail.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days. The office will update your address and issue a new license with your current information.

Do I have to renew in person if I am over 85?

Yes, Texas requires all drivers over 85 to renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Your license will be valid for five years only, and you will need to renew in person again when it expires.

Can I renew my license before I get the renewal notice in the mail?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice. If you want to renew early, use the online system or contact your local DPS office to request a mail renewal form.

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.