How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas Driver's License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times and is required if you cannot renew online or by mail.

Your license must be expired or expiring within 60 days to renew it. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail process — you must visit a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expires within 60 days, you have a valid email address, and your license was not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that Texas DPS sends you, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
Texas driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.
You must have a valid Social Security number and a current mailing address on file with DPS to renew online or by mail.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the simplest path if your license is not yet expired and you meet the basic requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is valid or expiring within 60 days, your license was not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the system will tell you that you must renew in person or by mail.

Once you confirm your information and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

Texas DPS sends renewal notices to drivers whose licenses are expiring soon. The notice includes a form you can mail back with payment. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and is a good option if you do not want to go online or visit an office in person.

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your renewal notice with your payment so DPS can match it to your record. Your new license will arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks of DPS receiving your form and payment.

If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can request a new one by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office. You can also renew in person at any DPS office without the notice if you bring your current license and proof of residency.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

Visit a Texas DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need to change your name or address, you want to update your photo, or you were not may be able to access to renew online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment for the renewal fee.

You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired. The DPS officer will tell you what tests are required when you arrive. The in-person renewal process takes 30 minutes to an hour on average.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

The renewal fee depends on the type and length of license you are renewing. A standard four-year driver's license costs $16 to renew. An eight-year license costs $32. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more — $75 for a four-year CDL or $150 for an eight-year CDL. Motorcycle endorsements and other endorsements have separate fees.

For online or mail renewal, you only need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within 90 days. A PO box is not accepted as proof of residency.

If you are renewing in person and your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Two Years

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will need to pass a vision test, and depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written knowledge test.

Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. If your license expired more than two years ago but less than five years ago, you will take the vision test and may take a written test at the officer's discretion. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take both the vision test and the written test.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the Texas DPS website. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail either test, you will not be able to renew your license that day and will need to study and return to retake the test.

Tracking Your Renewal and What to Do If It Does Not Arrive

After you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals typically arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, check the Texas DPS website to see if there is a status update. You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about your renewal. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.

If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, you can request a replacement at a DPS office or by mail. A replacement license costs $11. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license is expired, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office, which is valid for 45 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

You can renew your license even if you have an outstanding ticket or fine. However, if you have an unpaid traffic fine, DPS may suspend your license. Pay any outstanding fines before you renew to avoid suspension. You can check for suspensions on the Texas DPS website.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

If you changed your address, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days. The DPS officer will update your address during the renewal process.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS will take a new photo during the in-person renewal process.

How long is my Texas driver's license valid after I renew it?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you choose when you renew. You can choose the length when you renew online, by mail, or in person. An eight-year license costs twice as much as a four-year license.

What if I move out of Texas after I renew my license?

Your Texas driver's license remains valid in other states until it expires. If you move to another state and want a driver's license from that state, you will need to get a new license from that state's DMV. You do not need to surrender your Texas license, but you should not hold licenses from two states at the same time.

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.