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, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the quickest option and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements — your license must not be expired for more than two years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. If you do not meet the online requirements, you will need to renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your process. In-person renewal is same-day for your temporary license, with your physical card arriving within the same timeframe as mail renewal.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for most drivers whose license expired less than two years ago, and the process takes about 10 minutes from your computer.
You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
If your license expired more than two years ago or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail.
Your physical renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you will not need to renew again until your new expiration date.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records. If everything matches, you will be asked to review your personal information and confirm that it is still correct — update your address if you have moved since your last renewal.

Next, you will choose whether to keep your current photo or submit a new one. If you keep your current photo, the process moves faster. If you want a new photo, you will upload a digital image that meets DPS requirements: a clear, color headshot taken within the last 30 days, with your face centered and visible, no sunglasses or hats, and a plain background. After you submit your photo choice and pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for an eight-year license), you will receive a temporary digital license on your screen when ready. Save or screenshot this temporary license — you can use it right away while your physical card is in the mail.

Renewing by mail

Request a mail renewal process by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office to pick one up in person. You can also read the process form from the DPS website. Fill out the process completely, including your current address and any changes to your personal information. You do not need to submit a new photo for mail renewal — DPS will use your existing photo from your current license.

Mail your completed process, your current Texas driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the process form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want DPS to mail your renewed license back to you, or you can pick it up at a DPS office after it is processed. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your process, so send it at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. You do not need to make an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations allow you to schedule a time slot online to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available.

At the office, you will be asked whether you want to keep your current photo or take a new one. If you choose a new photo, DPS will take it on-site at no extra charge. After you complete the process and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days. Your physical renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee — ask at your local office what options are available.

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

If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal, except you will be required to pass a vision test and may be asked to retake your written test or road test depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have any violations on your record.

For mail renewal after a long expiration, contact DPS directly at 1-888-589-6789 to confirm what documents you need to send. You may be required to submit a completed medical form or additional identification. Processing times are the same as standard mail renewal — 2 to 3 weeks — but DPS may contact you if they need more information before they can process your process.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you are 85 years old or older, your renewal is free. If you choose to add a Real ID endorsement (which allows you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight), the cost is $28 for an eight-year license. For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though payment methods may vary by location.

If you are renewing by mail and your check is lost or not received by DPS, your process will be delayed. To avoid this, consider paying online if you are renewing in person, or ask about paying at the time of your in-person visit if you are picking up your license at a DPS office rather than having it mailed to you.

What to do if you have a medical condition or legal hold

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if there is a legal hold on your license (such as a suspension or restriction), you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any medical documentation that DPS has requested. A DPS officer will review your situation and determine whether you can renew or whether you need to take additional steps, such as passing a medical evaluation or a driving test.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS directly at 1-888-589-6789 to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it. Do not attempt to renew until your suspension or revocation has been resolved, as doing so will delay your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is helpful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

You can update your address during the renewal process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. For online renewal, you will be prompted to confirm or change your address before you submit your process. For mail or in-person renewal, update your address on the process form. You do not need to visit a DPS office separately to change your address if you are renewing your license at the same time.

How long is my temporary license valid while I wait for my physical card?

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. For online renewal, your temporary digital license is valid when ready. For in-person renewal, your paper temporary license is valid the same day. If your physical card does not arrive within 45 days, contact DPS to report it and request a replacement.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me at a DPS office?

No. You must pick up your license in person and show a valid form of identification. If you are unable to visit a DPS office, you can have your renewed license mailed to you instead. For online or mail renewal, your license will be mailed automatically unless you request to pick it up in person.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth. DPS will issue your renewed license with your new 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.