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

You can renew your Texas driver license without taking a new photo or passing a test — as long as your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet a few basic requirements. Texas offers three renewal paths: online (fastest), by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which one you use depends on your license type, when it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Most people renew online through the Texas DPS website in about 10 minutes. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is the slowest but necessary if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver license (CDL).

Key Takeaways

  • Texas lets you renew online if your license is current or expired less than two years, you have a valid email address, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
  • Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail for $25 or in person at a DPS office for $25 plus a $5 processing fee.
  • Commercial driver licenses and licenses with certain restrictions cannot be renewed online and require an in-person visit.
  • You must renew before your license expires to avoid a late fee and to keep driving legally.

Who can renew online in Texas

Online renewal is available only if all of these are true: your license is not expired by more than two years, you have a valid email address on file, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you do not hold a commercial driver license. You also cannot have certain restrictions or endorsements on your license — the online system will tell you when ready if you are ineligible.

If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You will need to renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days works). The same applies if you need to update your name, correct an error on your license, or change your gender marker.

Commercial driver licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and licenses with medical restrictions or hazmat endorsements must be renewed in person at a DPS office.

How to renew online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you your current license information.

Review the information on screen. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Online renewal costs $25. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Renewing by mail if you cannot go online

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and signature. Mail renewal costs $25.

If your address has changed, include a copy of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document dated within 90 days. Mail your completed form and payment (check or money order) to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks.

Do not mail your current license unless you are also requesting a name change or correction. If you are, include it with your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS office in Texas with your current driver license and proof of residency if your address has changed. Bring a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document dated within 90 days. In-person renewal costs $25 plus a $5 processing fee ($30 total).

You will have a new photo taken and can update your address, name, or other information on the spot. Processing is usually when ready, though you may wait depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive on while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes seven to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you hold a commercial driver license, if you need a new photo, or if you have restrictions or endorsements that prevent online renewal.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. If your license expires while your renewal is being processed, you can show proof of your process (your confirmation number or receipt) to a police officer, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person and may be required to pass the written test and vision test again. You will also pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee.

To avoid this, renew at least 60 days before your expiration date. Texas sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but do not rely on receiving it — check your license expiration date yourself.

How long your renewed license is valid

A standard Texas driver license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the renewal date. This means you do not lose any validity by renewing early.

If your license has been expired for more than two years and you renew in person, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver license from your new state of residence. You can renew a Texas license only if you still live in Texas or are a member of the military stationed outside Texas.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Visit a DPS office with proof of identity and residency. Replacement costs $25 plus a $5 processing fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within seven to 10 business days.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?

No, not if your license is current or expired less than two years. You do not need to pass any test to renew. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DPS office and may be required to pass the written test and vision test again.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver license?

Online or mail renewal costs $25. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25 plus a $5 processing fee ($30 total). If your license is expired by more than two years, you will also pay a late fee on top of the renewal fee.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

Yes, you can renew your license. An outstanding ticket or warrant does not prevent renewal. However, if you are stopped by police while driving, they can arrest you on the warrant or cite you for the ticket. Renewing your license does not resolve these issues — you need to handle them separately through the court.