How to Renew Your Expired Texas Driver's License

Renewing an Expired Texas Driver's License

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your information or photo.

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. Texas also allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, but only works if your license expired within the last two years.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your expired license, a completed form, and a check to the DPS address in Austin.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license expired more than two years ago.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either your expired license or your Texas ID number to start any renewal.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired within the last two years. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Driver License," and create an account or log in if you already have one. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.

The system will ask you to confirm your current address and answer security questions based on your driving record and personal history. You then pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The cost is $25 for a five-year license (for drivers 18 to 84 years old) or $50 for an eight-year license (for drivers 18 to 84 years old). Drivers 85 and older pay $25 for a five-year license only.

After you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your expired license to drive legally until your new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to update your photo. read and complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website, or call 1-888-589-6789 to request the form by mail.

Mail your completed form along with your expired driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided on the form. The mailing address is typically the DPS office in Austin, but confirm the current address on the form before sending. Include a return envelope with your address if you want your expired license returned.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on the form. During this time, you can drive with your expired license.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago. You also have the option to renew in person if you want a new photo, need to change your address, or prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours. Bring your expired driver's license (or your Texas ID number if you do not have the physical card), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification if your license is very old. You will also need to pass a vision test.

The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and collect the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready before you begin any renewal. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will also need your driver's license number or Texas ID number. If you are renewing in person, bring your expired license or know your license number.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you will need to provide legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This applies to all renewal methods. If you have moved and your address on file is outdated, online renewal will ask you to confirm your current address; mail and in-person renewal will let you update it during the process.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can proceed with renewal.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on the type and length of license you choose. A five-year license costs $25 for most drivers. An eight-year license costs $50 for most drivers. Drivers 85 and older can only renew for five years at a cost of $25.

Your new license will be valid for the full term you choose, starting from the date you renew. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date will be calculated from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means renewing early does not waste the remaining time on your old license.

If Your License Was Lost or Stolen

If your expired license was lost or stolen and you cannot locate it, you can still renew. When renewing online, the system will ask if you have your license. Select "no" and provide your Texas ID number or other identifying information instead. For mail renewal, note on your form that your license is lost or stolen. For in-person renewal, bring an alternative form of identification and explain the situation to the DPS staff.

You will not be able to submit your expired license with a mail renewal if it is lost, but this does not prevent you from renewing. The DPS will process your renewal based on the information you provide and the records they have on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Texas license while waiting for my renewal?

Yes, you can drive with an expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you have started the renewal process. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive with your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you can drive with the temporary paper license the office gives you.

What happens if I renew online but the system says I am not may be able to access?

The online system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have an active suspension or revocation, or if your identity cannot be verified. In these cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Call 1-888-589-6789 if you need help understanding why you were rejected.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after processing is complete. In-person renewal is faster: you get a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Processing time varies depending on DPS workload.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What if my address has changed since my license was issued?

Online renewal will ask you to confirm or update your address during the process. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, and the DPS will update it for you.

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.