What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas
Texas lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to change information on your license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Texas license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old. You can renew up to one year before it expires or up to two years after it expires, though renewing after expiration means you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. The state charges $33 for a standard eight-year renewal, though the fee is lower if your license will expire sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
- By-mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your process, and you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal, whether you are renewing a standard or commercial license.
- Texas does not mail renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date and renewing before or shortly after it passes.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is the simplest path if your license is not yet expired and you have not moved or changed your name. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the renewal option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or correct it. If everything matches, you pay the $33 fee by credit or debit card and submit.
The state will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have changed your address or legal name, if you are renewing a commercial license, or if you are over 85 years old.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired, you have not moved, and you have not changed your name. Request a renewal process by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office to pick one up in person. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for $33 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit an office or use a credit card. Like online renewal, it is not available if your license is expired, if you have moved, or if you need to change your name.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have moved to a new address in Texas, if you have changed your legal name, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you are over 85 years old. Visit your local DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Texas DPS website.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You pay $33 at the office, and you can drive when ready with your new license.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | When You Can Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | None (uses your existing license information) | 7–10 business days | when ready on your current license |
| By Mail | Completed process form, check or money order | 7–10 business days | when ready on your current license |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, name-change document (if applicable) | Same day | when ready with new license issued on site |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Renewal
The most frequent error is trying to renew online or by mail after your license has expired. Texas allows renewal up to two years after expiration, but only in person at a DPS office. If you miss this window, you must take the written and driving tests again as if you were a new driver.
Another common mistake is moving to a new Texas address and not updating it before renewing. If you have moved, you cannot use online or mail renewal—you must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS will not process a renewal process that lists an old address. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your Texas license and obtain a license from your new state.
A third mistake is sending a personal check instead of a money order for mail renewal. The DPS does not accept personal checks. Use a money order or renew online with a credit or debit card instead. Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and doing so avoids the risk of driving with an expired license.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License in Texas
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals must be done in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and a completed DL-44 form (the standard Texas driver's license process). If you have a medical condition that requires a medical certificate, bring that as well.
The DPS will verify your driving record, take a new photo, and issue your new CDL on the spot. The fee is $33 for a standard eight-year renewal. If your CDL has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to retake the written and skills tests. Check with your local DPS office before your appointment to confirm what tests, if any, you will need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver, which includes passing the written test and the driving test. Visit a DPS office to begin the process.
What happens if I drive with an expired license in Texas?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew it, but you are not legally permitted to drive until your new license arrives. Renew as soon as possible to avoid fines or other penalties.
How long does it take to get my license in the mail after I renew online?
The Texas DPS mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online process. Mail delivery time varies, but most people receive their new license within two to three weeks total. You can drive on your current license while you wait.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at a DPS office?
Appointments are not required, but the Texas DPS recommends scheduling one online to reduce wait times. You can walk in without an appointment, but you may wait longer during busy hours. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and appointment availability.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process an online or mail renewal if your name has changed. Bring your current license and proof of residency as well.