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 route 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 two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes one to two hours on average and is required if you have certain medical conditions, vision problems, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Your license expires on your birthday. Texas sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but online renewal is no longer an option — you will need to visit a DPS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license has not expired and you do not have medical restrictions or a suspended license.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired, if you have vision or medical restrictions, or if your license has been suspended.
- Texas charges $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, regardless of renewal method.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. You will then answer a few questions about whether your address, name, or medical information has changed.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, if your vision has changed significantly, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or sex designation on your license — you will need to do that in person or by mail with supporting documents.
Once you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. 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 with the Texas DPS
To renew by mail, read and print Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website, or request a renewal packet by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely and sign it. You will need to include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and any supporting documents if you are changing your name, address, or other information on your license.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — this address varies by region, so check the DPS website or your renewal notice for the correct mailing address in your area. Do not mail your license to a local DPS office; it must go to the regional processing center. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your current license returned to you.
Processing time is typically two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DPS office in person instead. Mail renewal is a good option if you have a busy schedule or live far from a DPS office, but it does require you to plan ahead.
In-person renewal at a Texas DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS office 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 payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the same documents plus your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Arrive early — DPS offices do not take appointments for standard renewals, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less busy than afternoons or weekends. You can check current wait times at many DPS offices on the Texas DPS website before you go. Bring all required documents; if you are missing anything, you will be turned away and have to return another day.
The renewal process takes 15 minutes to one hour depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, Form DL-44, payment by check or money order, proof of residency if address changed | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement within 60 days), payment by cash, check, debit, or credit card | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | when ready (temporary license on site; permanent mailed in 7–10 days) |
Common reasons your online renewal will be denied
The Texas DPS system will reject your online renewal request if your license has expired, if you have a medical condition or vision restriction on your current license, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You will also be denied if you are trying to change your name, address, sex designation, or organ donor status — these changes require in-person or mail renewal with supporting documents.
If you have received a traffic ticket or have an outstanding fine, your renewal may be held up. Check the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to see if there are any holds on your license before you attempt to renew. If there is a hold, you will need to resolve it (usually by paying the fine or appearing in court) before you can renew.
If your online renewal is denied, you will see a message explaining why. Do not attempt to renew online again — instead, use the mail or in-person method that matches your situation. If you are unsure why you were denied, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and have your license number ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number.
What is the difference between a four-year and eight-year license in Texas?
A four-year license costs $16 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. You choose which one you want when you renew. Most people choose the eight-year license because the cost per year is lower, but you can choose the four-year option if you prefer to renew more frequently.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Texas license?
Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken at the DPS office. If you renew online or by mail and want a new photo, you will need to visit a DPS office in person for your next renewal.
How long can I drive on an expired Texas license while waiting for my renewal?
If you renewed before your license expired, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If your license has already expired and you renewed in person, you can drive on the temporary paper license for 30 days. If you renewed by mail after your license expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives — mail renewal does not issue a temporary license.
What if I changed my address and need to update my license during renewal?
If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the system before you submit your renewal. If you are renewing by mail, include a letter with your new address or use the address change section on Form DL-44. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and tell the DPS employee that you have moved.