How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

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

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you have any restrictions that require an in-person visit.

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you're under 85, your license hasn't been expired for more than two years, and you have no medical conditions or legal holds on your record. By mail takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than two years, you need to change your address, you're over 85, or you have a commercial license.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical flags or active suspensions.
Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; by mail costs $16 and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, you're over 85, or you have a commercial license.
Your Texas license is valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before it expires.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at txdps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License." You'll need your current 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 information against DPS records and ask you to confirm your address and any name changes.

Online renewal costs $25. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner — for example, if you're traveling — you cannot expedite an online renewal; you'll need to visit a DPS office in person.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you're over 85; if you have a commercial license; or if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you've had a medical condition reported to DPS or if you need to change your address to a different county.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visiting a DPS office. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for $16 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety," and mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process.

By-mail renewal is cheaper than online ($16 versus $25) but slower. Use this method if you prefer not to use the internet or if you're renewing more than one year before your license expires and want to save money. You can also renew by mail if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical or legal holds.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visit your local DPS office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. In-person renewal costs $25 and takes about 20 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you're over 85, you have a commercial license, you need to change your address to a different county, or you have a medical condition on file with DPS. You also need to renew in person if your name has changed and you don't have a court order or marriage certificate to submit by mail.

Find your nearest DPS office and check its hours at txdps.texas.gov. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you've submitted a renewal process.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test in addition to the in-person renewal. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to ask whether you'll need to test before you visit an office.

Renewing a license with a suspension or hold

If your license is suspended, revoked, or has a hold on it — for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a DWI conviction — you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the agency that placed the hold (the court, the Texas Attorney General's office, or the Texas Workforce Commission) to find out what you owe and how to clear it.

Once the hold is removed, you can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on how long your license has been expired. If you're unsure whether your license has a hold, call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 and provide your license number.

Timeline and when to renew

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

Plan ahead: if you're renewing by mail, allow three weeks. If you're renewing online, allow 10 business days. If you need your license for travel or a job, don't wait until the last week. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person, which is faster but requires a trip to a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a Texas address to hold a Texas license. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you moved within Texas but to a different county, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license hasn't been expired for more than two years; otherwise, renew in person.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must replace it instead. Visit a DPS office with proof of residency and payment ($25). You'll receive a temporary paper license and a new plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. Replacement is different from renewal and uses a different process.

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

No. A standard Texas driver's license is still valid for driving. However, if you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some flights after May 2025), you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth, plus proof of residency and Social Security number.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas license?

Online renewal costs $25. By-mail renewal costs $16. In-person renewal costs $25. All methods are valid; the price difference reflects the cost of processing. You pay by credit card (online), check or money order (mail), or cash, check, or card (in person).

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

If the ticket resulted in a suspension or hold on your license, no — you must pay the fine or resolve the ticket first. If it's just an unpaid ticket with no hold, you can renew, but DPS may eventually place a hold if you don't pay. Contact the court that issued the ticket to check your status.

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.