You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office
Texas allows you to renew an expired driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail using a renewal process, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your address or photograph.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs less than in-person renewal, but it is only available if you have a valid Texas ID number and a Social Security number on file with DPS.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $16 if your license expired within two years.
- Mail renewal requires Form DL-44 and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you must include a new photograph and pay $16.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and costs $25 for a standard five-year license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either a Real ID or standard license type to renew.
- Texas does not mail renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself before it lapses.
Online renewal: fastest option for licenses expired less than two years
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license expired fewer than 24 months ago. You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. You can renew at dps.texas.gov under the "Driver License" section.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will review your current information, confirm your address, and pay the $16 renewal fee using a credit or debit card. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your photograph online, so if you want a new photo, you must renew in person or by mail.
Online renewal is not available if you need to update your name, address, or license class, or if your Social Security number is not on file with DPS. If any of these explore, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal: requires a new photograph and takes 2 to 3 weeks
You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago. Request Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Complete the form and include a new passport-style photograph (2 x 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last 90 days).
Mail the completed form, your expired license, the new photograph, and a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form. DPS processes mail renewals in the order received; expect your new license to arrive 2 to 3 weeks after DPS receives your packet. Include a return address on the envelope so DPS can contact you if anything is missing.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to provide a photograph, but it is your only option if you cannot access the online system or need to update your address before your new license arrives.
In-person renewal: required if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than 24 months, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and have a new photograph taken.
The in-person renewal fee is $25 for a standard five-year license or $40 for a Real ID-compliant license. DPS will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. Some offices issue licenses when ready; call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.
Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times and make an appointment online at dps.texas.gov to skip the walk-in line at most locations.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | License Expiration Limit | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Less than 2 years | License number, Social Security number, date of birth | $16 | 7–10 business days |
| Less than 2 years | Form DL-44, expired license, new photograph, payment | $16 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Any expiration date | Expired license, proof of SSN, proof of address, vision test, new photo | $25–$40 | Same day or 7–10 business days |
Real ID versus standard license: which one to renew
When you renew, you can choose between a standard Texas driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.
If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, renew to a Real ID license. The cost is $40 for in-person renewal or $16 for online renewal (if your current license is already Real ID-compliant). To renew to Real ID, you must provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number. Online and mail renewal cannot be used to upgrade to Real ID; you must renew in person.
If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, you can renew online or by mail and keep the Real ID status at no extra cost. Check your license for the gold star to confirm.
Common mistakes that delay renewal
The most common error is submitting a photograph that does not meet Texas requirements for mail renewal. Your photo must be 2 x 2 inches, taken within 90 days, and show your face clearly without sunglasses or hats. Professional passport photos from a pharmacy or photo studio usually meet these standards; do not use selfies or casual snapshots.
Another frequent mistake is mailing your renewal packet to the wrong address. Always use the address printed on Form DL-44, not a general DPS office address. If you mail to the wrong location, your packet will be delayed or returned.
For in-person renewal, bring original documents or certified copies, not photocopies. DPS will not accept photocopied proof of address or Social Security number. If your proof of address is older than 90 days, bring a second document to establish current residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas. If you renew online or by mail, do not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, renew in person at a DPS office to receive your license the same day.
What if I moved and need to update my address on my license?
If you moved within Texas, you can update your address online during renewal if your license expired fewer than two years ago. If you moved out of state or your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days) to the DPS office.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?
No, but you will need Real ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If your current license is standard, you can renew it as standard. To upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong?
Contact DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789 before your new license is mailed. If your new license arrives with incorrect information, you must renew again in person to correct it. This is why reviewing your information carefully during online renewal is important.
How long is a renewed Texas driver's license valid?
A standard renewed license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are over 85 years old, your license is valid for two years. Real ID licenses have the same validity period as standard licenses.