Renewing your Texas driver's 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 website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest and most common option — it takes about 10 business days and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and works only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes the longest in terms of wait time but is sometimes necessary if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Your renewal important date depends on your birth date and license type. Texas sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the reminder — you can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years, with results in about 10 business days.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks and is only available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you have a suspended license, medical restrictions, or a name or address change.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and Texas will send you a reminder about 60 days before the expiration date.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying renewal fees.
Online renewal: the fastest route for most drivers
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). The process takes about 15 minutes and you will receive a confirmation email when ready.
After you submit your renewal online, the Texas DPS will mail you a new physical license within about 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need to verify your renewal status, you can check the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
The cost of online renewal is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. If you are 85 years old or older, your renewal is free. Military members on active duty stationed outside Texas may also be exempt from renewal fees — check the DPS website for current military renewal options.
Mail renewal: slower but convenient if you may have access to
Mail renewal is an option if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, you have not changed your name or address, and your license is not expired by more than two years. To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by calling 1-888-589-6789.
Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. The Texas DPS will process your renewal and mail your new license within 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for mail renewal, call the DPS before sending in your form — this can save you time if your process would be rejected and returned to you.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person at a Texas DPS office if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, you have changed your name or address, or your license has been expired for more than two years. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class, add or remove endorsements, or update your organ donor status.
To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring a payment method — the DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which can significantly reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the office is. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and early afternoons.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the driving test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for a new license process.
You can schedule an appointment at a DPS office to take the tests, or you can walk in. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely in real-world conditions. If you pass all three tests, you will receive your new license on the spot or by mail within 10 business days, depending on the office.
The cost of reapplying for a license is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, the same as renewal. However, you will also pay a separate fee for each test you take — typically $10 to $20 per test, depending on the DPS office. Some offices waive test fees if you are over 85 years old or are a military member on active duty.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas
Commercial driver's licenses in Texas must be renewed in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available for CDLs. You will need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and provide the Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) at your renewal appointment. You will also need to pass the written test and vision test, though you may not need to take the driving test if your CDL is not suspended and you have no violations.
Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your Medical Examiner's Certificate to your appointment. The renewal fee for a CDL is $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. If you need to add or remove endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger endorsements), you may need to pass additional written tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it is suspended?
No, you cannot renew a suspended license online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person, where staff can determine whether the suspension can be lifted or whether you need to complete other requirements first. Bring documentation showing that you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension (such as proof of payment for unpaid traffic fines).
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The Texas DPS typically mails your new license within 10 business days of your online renewal. Your current license remains valid for driving during this time. If you do not receive your new license within 15 business days, contact the DPS to check the status of your renewal.
What if I changed my name since my last license renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.
Do I have to renew my license on my birthday?
No, your renewal important date is based on your birth date, but you do not have to renew on that exact date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The Texas DPS will send you a reminder by mail about 60 days before expiration.
What happens if I let my license expire?
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it online, by mail, or in person using the standard renewal process. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must reapply and pass the written test, vision test, and driving test.