Renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online and receive their license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a name change, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you are under 18. In those cases, you must go to a DPS office in person. Mail renewal is available only if you have a valid passport or passport card and meet other specific requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, with delivery in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew by mail only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you are under 18, you hold a CDL, or you need a name change.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number to any in-person visit.
- Texas does not require an eye exam for license renewal unless you are over 79 or renewing in person for the first time in your life.
Online renewal: fastest route for most drivers
The Texas DPS online renewal system is open 24 hours a day and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether you have any traffic violations since your last renewal. The system then tells you when ready whether you are approved.
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the time of renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Texas sends a confirmation email after you complete the transaction.
You cannot use online renewal if your current license is expired by more than two years, if you are under 18, if you hold a CDL, if you need to change your name, or if you want to change your address and do not have a document that proves your new address. If any of these explore to you, use the in-person or mail route instead.
Mail renewal: available only with a valid passport
Texas allows mail renewal only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card. You will need to complete the DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License), include a copy of your passport's photo page, and mail both to the address listed on the form. The DL-44 is available on the Texas DPS website.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. You do not need a new photo for mail renewal; the DPS will use the photo from your current license. The cost is the same as online renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You pay by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you do not have a passport, if you need a name change, if you are under 18, or if you hold a CDL. In those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are under 18, if you hold a CDL, if you need a legal name change, or if you want to change your address and cannot provide a document proving your new residence. Walk-in service is available at all DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are changing your name, bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter. You will have your photo taken, answer health and safety questions, and pay the renewal fee. The cost is the same as online renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license or a confirmation email from the DPS showing that your renewal is pending, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it through the normal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will need to pass a written test, a driving test, and an eye exam. You will also need to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States — a passport, birth certificate, or other approved document. Go to a DPS office to begin the process.
Eye exams and medical conditions
Texas does not require an eye exam for most license renewals. However, you must have an eye exam if you are over 79 years old or if you are renewing in person for the first time in your life. If you fail the eye exam, the DPS will restrict your license to daytime driving only or require you to wear corrective lenses.
During renewal, you will be asked whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea. Answer honestly. If you report a condition, the DPS may require a medical evaluation from your doctor before approving your renewal. This does not automatically disqualify you, but it may delay your renewal by a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live out of state but still hold a Texas license, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as someone living in Texas. You do not need to be a Texas resident to renew a Texas license. However, if you have moved to another state permanently, you should consider getting a license from that state instead.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other approved document) and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $11 for a four-year license or $22 for an eight-year license.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive?
Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks because the DPS must receive and process your envelope first. If your license does not arrive within these timeframes, contact the Texas DPS to check the status of your renewal.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes, but only if you have a document proving your new address. If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your address as part of the renewal. If you are renewing in person, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days showing your new address.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not for online or mail renewal — the DPS will use your current photo. If you are renewing in person, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.