Renewing Your Texas License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method works for you depends on how much time you have left, whether your license has expired, and whether you need a new photo.
Online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or name on the same day.
Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. The renewal fee is $61 for a standard five-year license or $97 for an eight-year license, depending on your age and which type you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $61 for a five-year license, but only works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DPS, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you can change your address or name during the same visit.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you have time to choose the method that works best for your schedule.
- Texas does not require a vision test for renewal unless you have certain medical conditions or your vision has changed significantly.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
The system will show you your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct. If everything matches, you pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it means you need to renew in person or by mail instead. This usually happens if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if there is a flag on your record that requires a DPS employee to review your file.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. read and print the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the date you want your new license to start.
Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $61 (five-year license) or $97 (eight-year license) to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want the DPS to mail your old license back to you, though this is optional.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. Your new license will arrive at the address on your process. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your renewal.
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 need a new photo, if you want to change your name or address, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment in cash, check, or card.
Visit the Texas DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Call ahead or check online to see whether your local office takes appointments or operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your driving record, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for your permanent one to arrive.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available.
When you renew an expired license in person, you will need to provide proof of residency and pass a vision screening. The DPS may also ask you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for a very long time, though this is rare. Bring your Social Security card or other identification to speed up the process.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you have moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office — you cannot change this information online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
The DPS will update your address and name in their system during your visit. Your new license will reflect the changes and will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the DPS office.
If you move after you have already renewed your license but before it arrives, contact the DPS to update your mailing address. You can do this by phone or through the DPS website. Provide your driver's license number and new address, and your license will be sent to the correct location.
Vision Tests and Medical Requirements
Texas does not require a vision test during routine license renewal unless you have a medical condition that affects your driving or your vision has changed significantly since your last renewal. If the DPS has a note on your file that you need a vision screening, you will be required to take one when you renew in person.
If you have a condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, or a heart condition, the DPS may require you to provide a medical report from your doctor before renewing. You will receive a letter in the mail if this applies to you. Do not ignore this letter — if you do not provide the required medical information, your renewal will be delayed or denied.
If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, make sure you are wearing them when you have your photo taken at a DPS office. Your license photo should show you as you normally appear while driving. If you have had eye surgery or a significant change in your vision, tell the DPS employee when you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If you need to renew in person or your license has expired, you will need to visit a Texas DPS office in person, which means traveling to Texas. Some military members stationed overseas may have other options — contact the DPS for details.
How long does my new license take to arrive after I renew online?
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. This does not include weekends or holidays. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
What if I need my license before the renewal is complete?
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can request a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. This temporary license allows you to drive legally. Online and mail renewals do not include this option, so plan ahead if you need to drive when ready.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew my Texas license?
No, you do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will need to renew in person instead or wait until your next renewal cycle.
What if my name or address changed after I submitted my renewal?
Contact the Texas DPS before your new license arrives to update your information. You can call them or use the online address update tool on their website. Provide your driver's license number and the correct information. Your new license will be sent to the updated address if you change it in time.