How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas

Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, eight years after issue. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove a Real ID star.

Texas does not mail you a renewal notice, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can check it on your current license or log into your DPS account online. The state allows you to renew up to two years before your license expires, so you can renew early if you have an upcoming trip or know you will be busy around your birthday.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal costs $16, takes 10 minutes, and works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or vision requirements since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and a check or money order to the DPS address in Austin.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove Real ID status.
Texas does not send renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date now and renew up to two years early if it is coming up soon.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and your vision has not changed. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $16.

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will confirm your personal information, answer a few questions about your current address and whether you have had any traffic violations or medical changes, and pay the fee. The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal went through. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not work if your license is already expired, even by one day. If you are past your expiration date, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $16. You will need your current license, a completed process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), and payment by check or money order made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash.

read or print Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your name, date of birth, address, and signature. Include a copy of one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Mail everything to the address listed on the form (currently the DPS office in Austin, but always check the current address on the form itself).

Mail renewal works even if your license is expired, but it does not work if you need to change your name, address, or vision information. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person. If your name has changed due to marriage or legal action, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court order.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove a Real ID star, or if you have had a medical condition or vision change since your last renewal. You will need your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The fee is $16 for a standard renewal or $32 for a Real ID renewal.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. You can make an appointment online in most areas, which will save you time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Bring your current license, a document showing your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will need the same documents you provided when you first got your Real ID.

The DPS officer will take your photo, verify your information, and give you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID Renewal and Status Changes

A Real ID license has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your current license has a Real ID star and you want to keep it, you can renew online or by mail without any extra steps — the star will transfer to your new license automatically.

If your current license does not have a Real ID star and you want to add one, you must renew in person. The fee is $32 instead of $16. You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents). If you want to remove the Real ID star and get a standard license instead, you must also renew in person.

Texas Real ID licenses are valid for eight years, the same as standard licenses. Your expiration date does not change when you add or remove Real ID status.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to take the written test and vision test again, and you may need to provide additional documents. explore for a new license takes longer and costs more than renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you have submitted a renewal process (a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your process), and this may help, but it does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your expiration date approaches.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard driver's license renewal costs $16 in Texas. A Real ID renewal costs $32. These fees cover the eight-year validity period. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If you renew early (up to two years before your expiration date), you still pay the same fee, and your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your original expiration date. This means renewing early shifts your expiration date forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal works the same way as it does for Texas residents. Mail renewal also works the same way — send your process to the DPS office in Austin. In-person renewal requires you to visit a Texas DPS office in person, so if you have moved out of state, you would need to travel back to Texas or wait until your next visit.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will update your name on your new license.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after your process is processed. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Texas DPS before you can renew. Contact the DPS directly to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if my vision has changed since my last renewal?

If you need to update your vision correction requirements (for example, you now need glasses when you did not before), you must renew in person. You will take a vision test at the DPS office, and if your vision has changed, your new license will reflect any new restrictions. Online and mail renewal do not include a vision test.

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.