You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person — and the fastest route depends on how long it has been expired
If your Texas driver's license has expired, you have three ways to renew it. The online renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal — but only works if your license expired within the last two years and you have not had any medical suspensions. If online does not work for you, you can renew by mail using the form DL-44, which takes two to three weeks. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office, which takes 30 to 45 minutes once you arrive.
The key difference is this: Texas lets you renew online or by mail only if your license has been expired for less than two years and you have no medical holds. Beyond that window, or if your circumstances have changed, you need an appointment at a DPS office. Starting your renewal now matters because DPS offices have wait times that vary by location — some are booked weeks out, while others have same-day or next-day slots.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical suspensions, and you want to keep the same address and information.
- Mail renewal using form DL-44 takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to mail documents and wait for your new license to arrive by post.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or you have had a medical suspension.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (online and mail renewals accept credit or debit card; in-person accepts cash, check, or card).
- DPS offices book appointments online at the Texas DPS website — walk-ins are not may provide service, so scheduling ahead saves time.
Online renewal: fastest if your license expired within two years
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Online Services section. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and personal information. If everything matches what DPS has on file and your license expired less than two years ago with no medical holds, you can complete the renewal in one session.
Once you submit, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you can renew as many times as you want online as long as you stay within the two-year window. If you want your new license faster, DPS does not offer expedited mail for online renewals, so in-person renewal is your only option for a same-day temporary license.
Mail renewal: works for expired licenses up to two years old
To renew by mail, read or request form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number and current address. You will also need to include a copy of one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the form, along with your payment by check or money order (DPS does not accept credit cards by mail).
Processing takes two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed. Like online renewal, mail renewal only works if your license expired within two years and you have no medical suspensions. If you are not sure whether you have a medical hold, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 before mailing your form — a rejected process means waiting longer and having to start over in person.
In-person renewal: required if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will also need to come in person if you have had a medical suspension, if your address has changed and you do not have a current proof-of-address document, or if you want a new photo on your license. Bring your expired driver's license, your Social Security number, and one document that proves your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days).
Book an appointment online through the Texas DPS website — the appointment system shows you wait times at each office near you and lets you pick a time that works. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but service is not may provide and waits can be several hours. At your appointment, a DPS officer will take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What documents and information you need for each method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, Social Security number | Credit or debit card | 7–10 business days by mail |
| By Mail (Form DL-44) | Expired license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 90 days) | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks from receipt |
| In Person | Expired license, Social Security number, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 90 days) | Cash, check, or card | Temporary license same day; permanent license 7–10 business days |
Cost of renewal in Texas
A four-year renewal costs $16. An eight-year renewal costs $32. These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Texas does not charge extra for processing or handling. If you are 85 or older, you can renew for a four-year term only, and the cost remains $16.
If you are renewing in person and need a replacement license the same day (because yours was lost or stolen), you will pay an additional $11 for the temporary license, though you receive it when ready. This temporary license is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What to do if you have a medical suspension or hold
A medical suspension means DPS has flagged your license because of a health condition reported to them — often by a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement. If you have a medical suspension, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person, and you may need to provide medical clearance from a doctor before your license can be reinstated.
To learn about you have a medical hold, call DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6789 before you attempt to renew. They can tell you what condition triggered the hold and what documents you need to clear it. Bring those documents to your in-person appointment. If you do not have clearance yet, the DPS officer can tell you what your doctor needs to sign off on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or by mail, you will have no valid license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive when ready. If you need to drive before your renewal arrives, in-person renewal is your only option.
What if I moved and my address is different from what DPS has on file?
If you moved recently, you can still renew online if your license expired within two years and you have no medical holds — DPS will update your address during the online process. For mail renewal, you must include a current proof-of-address document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days). If you do not have a current proof-of-address document, you must renew in person and bring one with you.
How long does it take to get an appointment at a DPS office?
Wait times vary by location and season. Some offices have same-day or next-day appointments; others are booked two to four weeks out. Check the Texas DPS website appointment system to see availability at the office nearest you. If you cannot get an appointment soon, try offices in nearby cities — they may have shorter waits.
What if my license was suspended or revoked, not just expired?
A suspension or revocation is different from expiration. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license — you must first clear the suspension or revocation with DPS. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out what you need to do. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance. Once that is cleared, you can renew normally.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes. Online and mail renewal both work from anywhere. If you are out of state and need to renew in person, you can visit any DPS office in Texas during your next visit home. You cannot use an out-of-state DPS office to renew a Texas license.