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 recently it expired. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and will need to pass a vision test and provide new documents.

The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour on the day you go, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • If your Texas license expired within the last two years, you can renew online at the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
  • Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
  • Mail renewal is an option for licenses expired less than two years, but takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to send original documents to DPS.
  • You can check your license expiration date and renewal may be able to access on the Texas DPS website before you start the process.

Online renewal: the fastest option for licenses expired within two years

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years. Go to the Texas DPS online services portal, select "Renew Driver License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you will pay $25 by credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or pass a vision test — DPS uses your existing photo and information on file. If your address has changed since your license was issued, update it during the online renewal process so your new license arrives at the correct location.

Online renewal is not available if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason. If you see an error message when you try to renew online, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out why you are not may be able to access and what your next step should be.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago. read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents — DPS will return them if you do.

Mail renewal costs $25 and takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Because mail delivery adds time on both ends, the total time from when you drop your process in the mail to when your new license arrives can be 6 to 8 weeks. Include a check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety" — do not send cash.

Mail renewal uses your existing photo and does not require a vision test. However, if your address has changed, you must include proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you do not provide proof of your new address, DPS will mail your license to the old address on file.

In-person renewal: required if your license expired more than two years ago

If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and proof of residency. Proof of citizenship can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Proof of legal presence for non-citizens can be a valid visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card.

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current address — examples include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Bring the original document or a certified copy; a photocopy alone is not accepted. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your name yet, bring two documents showing your new address, such as a lease and a utility bill process.

At the DPS office, you will take a new photo and pass a vision test. The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic. Your new license is issued on the spot, though some offices may mail it to you if they are experiencing high volume.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DWI conviction. Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license using the method that matches how long it has been expired. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check the status on the Texas DPS website or call the number above. Do not attempt to renew until the suspension is resolved — your process will be rejected.

Checking your license status and expiration date before you renew

Before you start the renewal process, verify your license expiration date and check whether any holds or suspensions are on your record. Visit the Texas DPS website and use the "Check Driver License Status" tool. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show your expiration date, whether your license is valid, and whether any suspensions or revocations are active.

If the system shows your license is suspended or revoked, do not attempt to renew. Instead, contact the Texas DPS to resolve the issue first. If the system shows your license is valid but expired, you can proceed with renewal using the method that fits your situation. Checking your status takes less than a minute and can prevent you from submitting an process that will be rejected.

Fees and what to expect after you renew

Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay by credit or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. No additional fees explore unless you need a duplicate license or a corrected license.

After you renew, your old license is no longer valid. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail and you can use it when ready upon receipt. If you renewed in person, you receive your new license at the office. Your new license is valid for six years from the date of issue. Keep your new license in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive or need to show proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to transfer your license or obtain a new one.

What if I lost my driver's license number and cannot find it?

For online renewal, you need your driver's license number. If you cannot find it, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and they can look it up using your name and date of birth. For mail or in-person renewal, you do not need your license number — you can renew using your Social Security number and other identifying information instead.

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

You receive your new license at the DPS office on the day you renew, unless the office is experiencing very high volume and decides to mail it to you instead. Most offices issue your license the same day. If you are mailed your license, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your local office.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

It depends on the amount and whether you have been ordered to pay it. Small unpaid fines may not block renewal, but larger amounts or court orders can result in a suspension. Check your license status on the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6556 to find out whether any holds are on your record before you attempt to renew.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will show your current name only if you updated it with DPS beforehand. If you have not updated your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name during the renewal process.