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 must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not meet the online requirements — your license is expired by more than two years, you need to change your address, or you want to add a Real ID star — you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal. You can also renew by mail, though it takes longer and requires you to submit your current license and a completed process form.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no holds on your record; it costs $16 to $32 and takes 7 to 10 days.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your address, or you want to add a Real ID star.
You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number or citizenship if renewing in person.
Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you can start the process early if you prefer not to wait until the last minute.

Online renewal: what you need and how to start

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DPS records and ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved. You cannot change your name, add a Real ID star, or correct other information online — those changes require an in-person visit.

After you submit your information and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 14 days, contact the DPS to check the status using your confirmation number.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or citizenship. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return; proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.

Bring your documents in original form or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for citizenship or Social Security proof. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Most DPS offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day; arriving early in the morning or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, 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 with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of residency and proof of Social Security number or citizenship. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process.

Do not send cash through the mail. Make your check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If DPS needs more information or finds an issue with your process, they will contact you by mail, which can add another 1 to 2 weeks to the process.

Real ID and other changes during renewal

If your current license does not have a Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), you can add one during renewal by renewing in person. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. To add Real ID, bring your original or certified proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) along with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

If you need to change your name, correct your date of birth, or update your sex designation, you must renew in person and bring the appropriate supporting documents — a marriage certificate for a name change, a corrected birth certificate for date of birth, or a court order or updated birth certificate for sex designation. These changes cannot be made online or by mail.

When your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, online renewal is not an option. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or citizenship. The process is the same, and the fee is the same, but DPS may ask additional questions about why your license lapsed for so long.

If you have lost your expired license, you can still renew in person by bringing two forms of identification instead — a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or other government-issued ID. Call your local DPS office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you prefer to renew early to avoid a last-minute rush. The expiration date on your new license will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

What if I have moved and need to update my address?

If you have moved within Texas, you can update your address online during renewal if your license is not expired by more than two years. If your license is expired by more than two years, or if you have moved out of state and back to Texas, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

How long does a Texas driver's license last?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you choose at renewal. You can select either length when you renew online or in person. An eight-year license costs twice as much as a four-year license but lasts longer, so the per-year cost is lower.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring two forms of government-issued identification instead of your license. Bring proof of residency and proof of Social Security number or citizenship as usual. The DPS will issue you a new license on the spot.

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

A hold on your record will prevent online renewal. You must renew in person, and DPS may ask you to resolve the hold before issuing your new license. Contact the court or agency that issued the hold to find out what steps are needed. Once the hold is cleared, you can complete your renewal.

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.