Texas driver license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and costs less than renewing in person. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and your license has not been expired for more than two years.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired beyond two years, you need to update your address, or you have a medical flag on your record—you must renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process. In-person renewal is completed the same day, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.

Your Texas license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old, or five years if you are 85 or older. DPS sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to begin the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; you must have a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
  • Mail renewal requires Form DL-44 or DL-43 (depending on whether you are renewing with or without changes), a check or money order for $25, and a copy of your current license; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; you pay $25 and leave with your temporary license the same day.
  • You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical condition flag, or if your license is suspended or revoked.
  • Texas licenses expire on your birthday in the eighth year after issuance (or fifth year if you are 85 or older), and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at txdps.texas.gov and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current record.

Review your information on screen. If your address, name, or other details are correct, you can proceed to payment. If you need to change your address or other information, you cannot complete the transaction online; you must renew by mail or in person instead. Online renewal does not allow address changes.

Pay the $25 renewal fee with a credit card or debit card. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS processes your payment. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number; keep this for your records.

Mail renewal with Form DL-44 or DL-43

read Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website if you are renewing without changes to your name, address, or other information. If you need to update your address or other details, read Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License with Changes). Both forms are free PDFs.

Complete the form in black or blue ink. Include a photocopy of your current Texas driver license (both sides). Write a check or money order for $25 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form, photocopy of your license, and payment to the address listed on the form (typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though regional offices may accept mail). Include a return address. DPS will process your renewal within 7 to 10 business days of receipt and mail your new license to the address on your process. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Locate your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator tool on txdps.texas.gov. Some offices operate by appointment only; others take walk-ins. Check the office hours and whether an appointment is required before you go.

Bring your current Texas driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Pay the $25 renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted at all offices; call ahead to confirm). You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired more than two years

If your Texas license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. 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.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. The DPS officer will check your vision using a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to obtain a vision clearance from an eye doctor and return with that documentation before your license is issued.

The fee remains $25. Processing is the same as a standard in-person renewal: you receive a temporary license and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Texas driver license is $25. If you are 85 or older and renewing for a five-year license, the fee is also $25. Payment methods depend on your renewal route:

  • Online: Credit card or debit card only.
  • By mail: Check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • In person: Cash, check, or debit card (credit cards not accepted at all offices).

If you are renewing in person and need to update your address or other information, the fee is still $25. There is no additional charge for address changes or corrections made at the time of renewal.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid. You do not need to carry a temporary license when you renew by mail or online.

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once your permanent license arrives, discard the temporary one.

If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a local DPS office with your confirmation number or reference number. Keep any confirmation emails or receipts until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date shown on your current license. DPS sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice. Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire eight years from the date of your current license (or five years if you are 85 or older).

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing in person, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, include a photocopy of that document with your process. Online renewal does not allow name changes; you must renew by mail or in person.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. You do not have a new photo taken. If you renew in person, the DPS office will take a new photo as part of the in-person process.

What happens if I renew online but need to make changes to my address?

You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. If you have already started an online renewal, do not complete it. Instead, read Form DL-43 and mail it with your current license and payment, or visit a DPS office in person.

Can I drive while my new license is being mailed to me?

Yes, if you renewed in person. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving and identification. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive with your current license.