How to Renew Your Expired Texas Driver's License

You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office

Texas lets you renew an expired driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago, or in person at any DPS office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person or by mail, and you will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of identity and Texas residency.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo or address change.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, plus postage.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a vision test, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must go to a DPS office or mail in your process with required documents.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either your expired license or a state ID card to start any renewal.

Online renewal for licenses expired less than two years

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions based on your driving history and personal records.

Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license. You pay by debit or credit card during the process. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if you need to change your photo, update your address, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You also cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than two years ago.

Mail renewal with documents and proof of identity

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can mail your renewal process to the Texas DPS. read the Driver License Renewal by Mail form from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your expired driver's license and a check or money order.

Include proof of Texas residency — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your packet, and your new license will be mailed to you.

Mail renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, plus the cost of postage. This route works well if you cannot visit a DPS office and your license has not been expired for more than two years.

In-person renewal at a Texas DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your expired driver's license or state ID, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Texas residency. You will take a vision test and have your photo taken. Bring your current address proof — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

In-person renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day.

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

You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

For mail renewal, send your expired license, the Driver License Renewal by Mail form, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency to the DPS address on the form. Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.

If your license expired more than five years ago, Texas may require you to pass a written knowledge test in addition to the vision test. Call your local DPS office or check the website to confirm what tests you will need before you visit.

Finding a DPS office and checking wait times

Use the Texas DPS office locator on the official website to find the nearest location and hours. Enter your city or zip code to see all offices in your area. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended or Saturday hours.

Wait times are not published online, but you can call your local office directly to ask how busy they are. Early morning visits, weekday mornings, and mid-week days typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays. Some offices use online appointment systems — check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?

Yes, if you renewed online or by mail. You can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and you can drive on that when ready.

What if I lost my expired license and do not have it to mail in?

You can still renew in person at a DPS office without your expired license. Bring your state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID instead. You will still need proof of Social Security number and Texas residency.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required at most Texas DPS offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are usually served first.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. These are the same prices whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay at the time of renewal.

What if my address changed since my license was issued?

You can update your address during online renewal if your license expired fewer than two years ago. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

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.