How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing Your Texas Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if you need a new photo, have certain medical conditions, or don't meet the online requirements.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold. Texas sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the reminder — you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a new photo, you have a medical condition that affects driving, or your license was suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the DPS address listed on the renewal notice.
Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the simplest path if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Driver License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations since your last renewal.

The system will ask whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. Four-year licenses cost $16; eight-year licenses cost $32. You'll pay by debit card or credit card. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you are under 18, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you have certain medical conditions that require a DPS officer to review your case. In those situations, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. Texas sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes an process form (DL-44) and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, include a copy of your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Keep your current license until the new one arrives — it remains valid during the renewal process. If you lose the renewal notice, you can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website and mail it with your current license and payment.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if you need a new photo, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment. If your address has changed, bring the proof of residency document showing your new address.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits are usually shorter. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the Texas DPS website. Appointments are not required but reduce your wait time significantly.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken, answer health and safety questions, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

What to Bring and What It Costs

For any renewal method, you'll need your current Texas driver's license. If your address has changed, bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days of your renewal. A government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) also works as proof of residency.

Renewal fees are $16 for a four-year license and $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew in person and your address has changed, there is no additional fee — the address change is included in the renewal cost.

If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. A DPS officer will review your case and determine whether you can renew or whether you must complete additional steps (such as paying a reinstatement fee or completing a defensive driving course) before renewal is possible.

Suspension and revocation are different. A suspension is temporary — your license is inactive for a set period, usually 90 days to one year. A revocation is permanent unless you request a hearing and the decision is overturned. If your license is suspended, you can renew once the suspension period ends. If it is revoked, you must request a hearing with the Texas Administrative Code before you can renew.

Timeline and When Your New License Arrives

Online renewal is fastest: approval takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, then 7 to 10 business days for delivery — total time is roughly three to four weeks. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Your current license remains valid during the renewal process, so you can drive legally while you wait for the new one. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you renewed online or by mail, you can print a temporary license from the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The temporary license is valid for 45 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Online and mail renewal both work for early renewal — the process is the same.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of residency showing your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). The address change is included in the renewal fee — there is no extra cost.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not always. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than eight years old, you must renew in person at a DPS office. A DPS officer will take a new photo during your visit.

What happens if I let my license expire?

An expired license is not valid for driving. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. You can still renew an expired license using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), but if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact a DPS office to confirm the requirements for your situation.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate (MCSA-5875) from a certified medical examiner.

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.