How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Texas

You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If you may have access to, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS driver license office in person. This is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had a medical suspension, if you need to update your address, or if you want to change your name or other personal information on the license. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical holds or address changes.
Online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
You must go to a DPS driver license office in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical suspension, or if you need to change your address or name.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Start at the Texas DPS online renewal portal. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and verify that nothing has changed since your last renewal. If the system confirms you are may be able to access, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not expect it when ready — Texas DPS typically takes 7 to 10 business days to print and mail licenses, though it can take longer during busy periods. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.

Going to a DPS driver license office in person

Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or zip code. Many offices now use an online appointment system, and scheduling ahead is strongly recommended because walk-ins can face long waits. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointment slots fill quickly, especially in urban areas.

Bring these documents to your appointment: your current or expired driver's license, one proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are renewing after a medical suspension, bring documentation from your doctor clearing you to drive. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

At the office, you will complete an process form (DL-43), have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a DPS driver license office and go through the full in-person renewal process. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

The office staff will process your renewal the same way they would for a current license. You will get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no penalty for renewing late in Texas — you straightforward cannot use the online system.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Texas offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32. Both are valid for driving and identification. Choose whichever fits your situation. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for eight years, so it can save you time and hassle in the long run.

Your new license will be valid from the date it is issued until the expiration date printed on the front. Texas does not have a grace period — once your license expires, you are not permitted to drive legally. However, if you renew before your current license expires, your new license validity period begins on the expiration date of your old license, so there is no gap in coverage.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days) along with your current or expired license and proof of Social Security number.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other personal information, you must also renew in person. For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that authorized the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. For a gender marker change, bring a certified copy of a court order or a letter from a licensed physician or mental health professional on official letterhead stating that you have undergone or are undergoing appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition.

What to do if you cannot renew before your license expires

If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to process, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you have already renewed. If you renewed online, keep your confirmation email or confirmation number with you. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and counts as proof of a valid license.

Do not wait until the last day to renew. If you are planning to renew in person, schedule your appointment at least two weeks before your expiration date to account for office availability and processing time. If you are renewing online, submit your process at least 10 days before expiration to may support your new license arrives before the old one expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license by mail?

No, Texas does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the DPS website if you are may be able to access, or you must visit a DPS driver license office in person. There is no paper process process by mail.

What if I have a medical suspension on my license?

You cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person and bring documentation from your doctor stating that you are cleared to drive. The office will lift the suspension and process your renewal at the same time.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Texas DPS typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing. During busy periods, it can take longer. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Texas does not block license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding traffic violations. However, you should resolve any tickets or fines to avoid additional penalties or license suspension later.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DPS driver license office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue your new license with the correct name on it.

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.