How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renew Your Texas License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Texas driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Most people renew online because it takes 15 minutes and costs less than the other methods. You must renew before your license expires — Texas will not process a renewal after the expiration date has passed, and you will need to explore for a new license instead, which costs more and takes longer.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last process. A standard Class C driver's license can be renewed for either four or six years, depending on your age and whether you choose the standard or enhanced option.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people and takes about 15 minutes.
You must renew before your license expires; Texas will not process renewals after the expiration date.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had an address change in the past two years, and you are renewing a standard Class C license.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you need to change your address, name, or photo, or if you are renewing a commercial or motorcycle license.
Renewal fees range from $16 to $97 depending on the license type and term length you choose.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is open to people renewing a standard Class C license who have not had an address change in the past two years and whose license is not suspended or revoked. You will need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The system will verify your identity using information from your original license process.

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal and enter your license number and Social Security information. The system will pull up your current license record and ask you to confirm or update your personal information. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online — if any of those details are wrong, you must renew in person instead. Once you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number when ready. Texas will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $24 for a six-year license. You will receive your new physical license by mail; there is no temporary document issued during the online process.

Mail Renewal: When You Can Use It

Mail renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address in the past two years, you are renewing a standard Class C license (not a commercial or motorcycle license), and you are not changing your name. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, print the Texas DPS Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website or request it by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date Texas receives your process. Do not mail your license more than 60 days before your expiration date, or Texas may reject the process and return it to you.

Mail renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $24 for a six-year license, the same as online renewal. However, mail renewal is slower and requires you to send your current license through the postal system, which carries a small risk of loss.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if you are changing your address, name, or photo; if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement; or if your license is suspended or revoked. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing an enhanced driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.

Visit your local DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal Fees and License Term Options

Texas offers two renewal term lengths: four years or six years. A four-year license costs $16 online or by mail, or $24 in person. A six-year license costs $24 online or by mail, or $32 in person. In-person renewals cost more because you are also paying for the office visit and the temporary paper license.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is $97 for a four-year license or $145 for a six-year license, and you must renew in person. Motorcycle endorsements cost an additional $20 on top of the Class C renewal fee. Enhanced driver's licenses (which allow you to enter Canada by land) cost an additional $20 on top of the standard renewal fee.

Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online and mail renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewals accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and checks.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. A new license process costs more than a renewal and requires you to visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process takes longer because the DPS will conduct a full background check rather than straightforward updating your existing record.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you may be able to restore it by paying a restoration fee in addition to the renewal fee. Contact your local DPS office or call 1-888-589-6789 to ask whether restoration is an option for your situation. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to explore for a new license.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not attempt to renew after your license has expired. Texas will reject the renewal process and you will have to start over with a new license process, which costs more and takes longer. Check your expiration date before you begin the renewal process.

Do not try to change your address, name, or photo online. The online system will reject your process if any of these details differ from your current license record. If you need to make any of these changes, you must renew in person.

If you are renewing by mail, do not mail your process more than 60 days before your expiration date. Texas may reject early applications and return them to you, which delays your renewal. Mail your process 30 to 45 days before your expiration date to allow time for processing.

Do not forget to bring all required documents to your in-person appointment. If you arrive without proof of residency or proof of Social Security number, the DPS will not process your renewal and you will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Texas DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it. Call 1-888-589-6789 or visit your local DPS office for information about restoration.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS office if you have changed your address. Bring proof of your new Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. You cannot change your address through online or mail renewal.

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

Texas mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license. Online and mail renewals do not include a temporary document.

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. However, if you renew early, your new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. For example, if your license expires on January 15, 2025, and you renew in December 2024, your new license will expire on January 15, 2029 (four years from the original expiration date).

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

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.