How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at DPS.Texas.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Social Security number on file, and have no medical conditions that would disqualify you from driving. If you do not meet those requirements, you must renew in person.

Your license is due for renewal on your birthday in the year shown on the front. Texas sends no reminder, so you are responsible for tracking the date. You can renew up to one year before your birthday and up to two years after it, though driving on an expired license is illegal. If you are renewing late, you may face a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through DPS.Texas.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 to $32, but only works if you are a U.S. citizen with no medical disqualifications.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have no address changes, and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you are not a U.S. citizen, have medical conditions, need a name change, or failed online renewal.
You must bring your current license and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) to renew in person.
Texas does not mail renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself and renew before it expires to avoid a late fee.

Online renewal: fastest option for most people

Go to DPS.Texas.gov, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and check whether you meet the requirements. If you pass, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal works only if you are a U.S. citizen, have no medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, have not changed your address, and have not been convicted of certain crimes. If the system rejects you, it will tell you why and direct you to renew in person instead.

Mail renewal: available only if nothing has changed

You can renew by mail only if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. To start, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to request a mail renewal packet. DPS will mail you a form and instructions. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address on the packet.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and offers fewer options, so it is useful mainly if you prefer not to go online or cannot visit an office. If your address has changed, your license is suspended, or you have not renewed by mail in two years, you must renew in person or online instead.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit any DPS office to renew if you are not a U.S. citizen, have medical conditions, need a name change, or did not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current license and proof of residency dated within 90 days—a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document showing your current address. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. If the office is busy, you can check wait times online at DPS.Texas.gov before you go.

What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension—usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and how to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

If your license was suspended for a medical reason, you must visit a DPS office in person and may need to pass a driving test or provide a doctor's clearance. The office will tell you what documents you need before you go. Clearing a suspension can take weeks or months depending on the reason, so do not wait until your license expires to start the process.

Renewing late: reinstatement fees and penalties

If you drive on an expired license, you can be cited and fined. Texas allows you to renew up to two years after your birthday, but if you renew more than one year late, you may owe a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The reinstatement fee is $100 if your license has been expired for more than one year but less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires a written test and a new photo.

To avoid this, mark your birthday on your calendar and renew within the one-year window before it arrives. If you have already let your license expire, renew as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the more fees you will owe and the more steps you will have to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other requirements (U.S. citizen, no medical disqualifications, no address change). If you have moved out of state, you cannot use mail renewal because your address has changed. You must renew online or visit a DPS office in Texas in person.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You cannot change your address online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days. You can update your address and renew your license at the same visit.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office and receive it the same day.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my Texas driver's license?

No. A standard driver's license and a Real ID are two different products. You can renew your standard license online, by mail, or in person. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of citizenship.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement license first at a DPS office, which costs $11. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it normally when your birthday arrives. If your birthday is very soon, ask the DPS office whether you can renew and replace at the same visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.