How to renew your Texas driver's license

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 option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you can mail in your process or visit a DPS office in person, though in-person visits often mean waiting in line.

Your may be able to access to renew depends on how long your license has been expired, your age, and whether you've had any address changes or other updates. Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license expired less than two years ago, you're 18 or older, and you have no address changes or medical conditions to report.
  • Renewing online costs $16 for a one-year license or $48 for a five-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you can't renew online, you can renew by mail using Form DL-44 or visit a DPS office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check your driving record.

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired less than two years ago, you're at least 18 years old, you have no address changes, and you haven't reported any new medical conditions. If any of these don't explore to you, the system will tell you before you pay and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

Once you complete the online form, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives, as long as you have your confirmation number with you.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago and you don't have address changes or new medical information to report. read and print Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website, or request it by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely and include your current driver's license (or a photocopy of both sides).

Mail your completed form and license to the address shown on the form, along with a check or money order for $16 (one-year renewal) or $48 (five-year renewal). Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned to you. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process.

Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records. You can drive on your expired license while your process is being processed, but once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, you have an address change, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it's been more than two years), proof of your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, check, or card.

You'll complete an process form at the office and may be asked to take a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may also need to pass a written exam on traffic laws and road signs. The DPS officer will take your photo and process your process on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Check the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays, so visiting on a weekday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment.

You'll need to pass a vision test at the office. Depending on how long your license has been expired and your age, you may also need to pass the written exam on traffic laws and road signs. The DPS officer will tell you what's required when you arrive. If you fail the vision test or written exam, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

After you pass all required tests, your new license will be issued and mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you should not drive — an expired license that has been expired for more than two years is not valid for driving.

Costs and payment methods for Texas license renewal

A one-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16. A five-year renewal costs $48. These are the standard fees for all renewal methods — online, mail, and in-person. If you renew in person and need to take a written exam because your license has been expired for a long time, there is no additional fee for the exam.

Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by check or money order, make it out to the "Texas Department of Public Safety."

Timeline for receiving your renewed license

Online and in-person renewals both result in your new license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. The DPS processes applications in the order they're received, so sending your process early can help.

While you're waiting for your new license, you can drive on your expired license if you renewed online or in person and have your confirmation number. If you renewed by mail, you can drive on your expired license while your process is being processed. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid, even if it's not yet expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I've moved to another state?

No. You must renew your Texas license in person at a DPS office if you've moved out of state, because you'll need to provide proof of a current Texas address. If you no longer live in Texas, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

If your name has changed 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 the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal are not available when your name has changed.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew by mail, your photo is not updated. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you can visit a DPS office instead.

What happens if I let my license expire?

Driving with an expired license is against the law in Texas. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a written exam. It's easier to renew before your license expires — you can renew up to one year early.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the Texas DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.