Texas Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Texas license is valid for six or eight years depending on your age at issuance. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and you should start the process at least two weeks before your license expires if you are mailing your documents. If your license is already expired, you can still renew, but your options narrow.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest method for most people and takes about 10 business days from submission.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photograph, or if you are under 18.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS; processing takes three to four weeks.
- The renewal fee is $48 for a six-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal, either online or by providing a new address document in person.
Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you are 18 or older, and you do not need to change your photograph or address. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will answer questions about your current license and confirm your information. The system will ask whether you want a six-year or eight-year license. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
Online renewal does not issue a temporary license, so if your current license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving with an expired license. Plan ahead and submit your renewal at least two weeks before expiration.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photograph. You will need to send your current license, a completed process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), and payment to the DPS.
read or request Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and signature. Include a check or money order for $48 (six-year license) or $64 (eight-year license). Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address listed on the form, which varies by region.
Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal instead. If your address has changed, include a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are under 18, if you need a new photograph, or if you want to change your address and do not have a supporting document. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you have certain medical conditions that require a DPS review.
Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of residency if your address has changed. Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport and visa or other immigration document.
Visit any DPS office during business hours. You will have your photograph taken, answer questions about your driving history, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Processing time for the permanent license is typically 10 to 15 business days.
Address Changes and License Updates
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address directly in the system. For mail renewal, include a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing in person, bring your proof of residency document. The DPS will not accept a post office box as a residential address. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Expired License Renewal: When You Must Go In Person
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency if your address has changed.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still use online or mail renewal as long as you do not need a new photograph or address change. However, if you are uncomfortable driving with an expired license, renewing in person will get you a temporary license when ready.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
The renewal fee depends on the license term you choose. A six-year license costs $48. An eight-year license costs $64. These are the standard fees for drivers 18 and older; fees for drivers under 18 are lower but that age group must renew in person.
For online renewal, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only—do not send cash. For in-person renewal, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | Requires In-Person Visit | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 business days | No | Credit or debit card |
| 3–4 weeks | No | Check or money order | |
| In-person | 10–15 business days for permanent license; temporary issued same day | Yes | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but the method depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency if your address changed.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic citation. If you renew online or by mail, your new license takes 10 to 15 business days to arrive. If you cannot wait, renew in person to receive a temporary license valid for 45 days on the same day.
Do I need to take a new driving test to renew my license in Texas?
No. Standard renewal does not require a written test or driving test. However, if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, the DPS may require additional steps or a vision test. Contact your local DPS office if you are unsure.
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state but still have a Texas address?
You can renew online or by mail as long as you have a valid Texas address on file. If you have permanently moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Texas license. Texas will not renew a license for someone who no longer resides in the state.
How do I find the DPS office nearest me for in-person renewal?
Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to find the nearest location, hours of operation, and services available. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead can tell you the current wait time.