Texas driver license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in your renewal process, both of which take longer.

Your renewal method depends on your current license status, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Texas allows online renewal only if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than two years, you have no medical conditions to report, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements.
  • You can renew online only if your license expired fewer than two years ago, your address has not changed, and you have no new medical conditions to report.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago or you need a new photo, you must visit a DPS office in person.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower than online or in-person renewal and requires you to send your physical license to the DPS.
  • DPS offices do not require appointments, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning or weekday visits are typically shorter.

Renew online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at txdps.texas.gov and select the "Driver License Online Renewal" option. You will need your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Review your personal information on screen — name, address, date of birth, and any medical conditions. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Texas accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why — usually because your license has been expired for more than two years, your address has changed, or you have reported a new medical condition. In that case, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Renew in person at a Texas DPS office

Visit any Texas Department of Public Safety office with your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

Bring your current license even if it is expired. The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter — $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. No appointment is required, but wait times can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on the location and time of day. Visit early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon to avoid peak hours. You can find your nearest DPS office and current wait times on the Texas DPS website.

Renew by mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a DPS office in person. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver license to the address provided on the form. Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this period. For this reason, mail renewal is not recommended unless you cannot visit an office or renew online. Your new license will arrive by mail once processing is complete.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired longer than two years.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a traffic citation. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to pass the written driving test again when you renew in person.

Renew before your license expires

Texas allows you to renew your driver license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea if you travel, need your license for identification purposes, or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year (or more) in the future, so you will not lose any time on your current license.

You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process described above. The fee is the same regardless of when you renew before expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I moved to a different state?

No. If you have moved out of Texas, you must obtain a driver license from your new state of residence. You cannot renew a Texas license if you no longer live in Texas. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your new state to learn about their licensing requirements.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, 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). Online and mail renewal are not available when your name has changed.

Do I need to pass a driving test to renew my license in Texas?

No. Texas does not require a written or driving test for license renewal unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If you are renewing a license expired longer than one year, you will need to pass the written test at the DPS office.

How long is a Texas driver license valid?

A Texas driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which option you choose at renewal. You pay $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Both are the same physical card — the only difference is the expiration date and the fee.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must obtain a replacement. Visit a DPS office with proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $11. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using the standard renewal process when it expires.