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 (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods.
Texas sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as your license is within 12 months of expiration. If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online.
Your renewal timeline depends on the method. Online renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is same-day if you go to a DPS office, though wait times vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not yet expired, and you receive a temporary digital license the same day.
- You must renew in person or by mail if your license is already expired, because the online system will not accept expired licenses.
- Texas charges $33 for a four-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal; online renewal costs $1 less than in-person renewal.
- You need a valid mailing address on file with DPS before you renew by mail, and the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
- If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal use your existing photo.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route If Your License Is Not Expired
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. 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 verify your identity and show you the renewal fee ($32 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license).
Pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once payment clears, you receive a temporary digital license on your screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for most purposes — driving, traffic stops, and identification — while your physical card is in the mail.
The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required, Slower Delivery
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired. Wait for your renewal notice to arrive in the mail — it comes 60 days before expiration — or call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to request one. The notice includes a prepaid return envelope and instructions.
Sign the back of your license, fill out the renewal form that came with the notice, and mail both back to DPS in the prepaid envelope. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $65 for eight years). Do not send cash.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after that. Mail renewal uses your existing photo, so if you want a new one, you must renew in person. This method is useful if you are out of state or have a schedule that does not allow a DPS office visit.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If your address has changed, bring proof of the new address.
The fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will take a new photo at the office, and your new license is printed on the spot. You can drive home with it when ready.
Wait times vary. Some offices have short lines in the morning; others have 30-minute to 1-hour waits during lunch and after work. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and current wait time before you go. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but some offices offer appointment slots that you can reserve online.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | $32 or $65 | when ready temporary; 7–10 days physical |
| Current license, renewal notice, check or money order | $32 or $65 | 2–3 weeks processing | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency (dated within 30 days) | $33 or $66 | Same day |
When You Cannot Use Online or Mail Renewal
If your license is expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. Mail renewal still works for expired licenses, but you will need to request a renewal notice by phone first.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or failure to appear in court.
If you have changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
Four-Year Versus Eight-Year Renewal: Which One to Choose
Texas offers two renewal terms: four years for $32 (online) or $33 (in person), and eight years for $65 (online) or $66 (in person). The eight-year license costs about twice as much but lasts twice as long, so the yearly cost is roughly the same.
Choose the four-year renewal if you expect your appearance to change significantly in the next few years, if you are not sure you will stay in Texas, or if you want to renew sooner. Choose the eight-year renewal if you want to avoid another renewal trip for eight years and do not mind paying the full amount upfront.
Your age does not affect which term you can choose. Texas does not have a separate renewal process for drivers over 65 or 70, unlike some other states. The renewal fee and timeline are the same regardless of age.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Renewal
The most common mistake is trying to renew online after your license has expired. The online system will reject an expired license, and you will have to start over with mail or in-person renewal. Renew before the expiration date if you want the fastest route.
Another mistake is sending cash by mail. DPS does not accept it, and your envelope will be returned. Send a check or money order instead, or renew online or in person.
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of residency dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency. If your proof is older than 30 days, DPS will ask you to come back with a current one.
Do not assume your renewal notice contains the correct fee. Fees change, and the notice may be outdated. Check the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm the current fee before you mail payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
Yes. Texas does not have a limit on how long after expiration you can renew. You can renew by mail or in person at any time. However, you cannot renew online if your license is expired, so you will need to use one of the other two methods.
What if I move to a different state before my renewal arrives?
If you renewed online or by mail and move before the card arrives, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your new address. DPS can remail the card to your new state. If you have already moved, you will need to renew in your new state once you establish residency there.
Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo but do not want to renew yet, you can visit a DPS office and pay a small fee to update your photo without renewing your license.
What happens if I renew online but do not receive the physical card in 10 days?
Call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and provide your license number. They can check whether the card was mailed and where it is in the system. If it was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement. In the meantime, your temporary digital license is valid for 30 days.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
It depends. If the fine is unpaid and has been reported to DPS, your license may be suspended, and you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Pay the fine or contact the court to set up a payment plan, then contact DPS to confirm the suspension has been removed before you attempt to renew.