You cannot renew a Texas driver's license by phone

Texas does not offer phone renewal for driver's licenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to renew in person at a driver's license office, by mail, or online through their website. If you have heard that phone renewal is available, that information is outdated or applies to a different state.

The state does allow you to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. For most people, online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas offers online renewal through the DPS website, which is faster than mail and does not require an office visit.
  • Mail renewal is available if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no holds or restrictions.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical conditions to report, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
  • Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and produces a license that arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Online renewal is the easiest path for most Texans. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" under the Services menu, and choose "Renew." You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information, update your address if needed, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid — typically $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, if you are required to take a vision test, or if there is a legal hold on your record. In those cases, you must go to a DPS office in person.

Renewing by mail if you are not may be able to access for online

Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no medical or legal restrictions. To renew by mail, you must request an process form from the DPS. You can read the form from the DPS website (Form DL-44) or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to have one mailed to you.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You will not have a valid license during this time, so mail renewal works best if your license is not yet expired or if you do not need to drive while waiting.

Mail renewal does not include a new photo — your current photo will be used on your renewed license. If you need a new photo or if DPS cannot verify your identity from the information you provide, they will contact you and ask you to come in person.

When you must renew in person at a DPS office

You must visit a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical condition that requires reporting, if you need a new photo, or if there is any kind of hold on your driving record. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name, if you want to add or remove a commercial endorsement, or if you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. 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. Bring payment by cash, check, or card.

Visit the 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 book an appointment online. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early mornings and weekdays are usually shorter.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must renew in person. However, you can still drive to the DPS office to renew. Texas law allows you to drive on an expired license to reach a DPS office for the purpose of renewing it, as long as you go directly there and do not stop elsewhere.

If you are uncomfortable driving on an expired license, ask a friend or family member to drive you, or use a rideshare service. Bring all the documents listed above, plus proof that your license was valid at some point — your expired license itself counts as that proof.

Real ID and standard license renewal

When you renew, you can choose to get a standard Texas driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will also be Real ID unless you ask otherwise.

To get a Real ID license for the first time, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two proofs of residency. The Real ID fee is the same as a standard license renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive a standard license, not a Real ID license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew online?

Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before it arrives, you will need to carry your old license or a copy of your online renewal confirmation.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

It depends on the ticket. If you have an outstanding warrant or a suspension related to a ticket, DPS will not let you renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person, and they may refuse to renew until the warrant is resolved. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out your status before you try to renew.

What if I moved to Texas from another state and my out-of-state license is expired?

You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Texas. You must explore for a new Texas license in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, your Social Security card, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal.

Do I need to take a vision test to renew online?

No. Online renewal does not include a vision test. If DPS has a record that you need a vision test or if your medical history suggests one is required, you will be told during the online process that you must renew in person instead.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license online, by mail, or in person. DPS does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. If you are unable to go to an office, mail renewal is your best option.