How to Renew Your Driver License in Texas

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

You can renew your Texas driver license without visiting a DPS office if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and your current address is on file. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew online at dps.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at any DPS driver license office. Which method you use depends on how much time you have and whether your license meets the online renewal rules.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver license number and Social Security number instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form DL-44, and payment to the DPS; processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is fastest if you need your license quickly, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, you have changed your name, or your address needs updating on the license itself.
Texas driver licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration.

Online renewal: fastest option for most people

Online renewal is available if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and your current mailing address is correct on your license. You will need your renewal number from your notice, or your driver license number and Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes on the DPS website.

You will pay $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives, even after the expiration date on your current license.

If you are renewing more than two years after your license expired, you cannot use online renewal and must go in person or by mail instead.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

To renew by mail, read form DL-44 from the DPS website or ask for one at any DPS office. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver license and a check or money order for $25 (four-year) or $50 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Include a return address on your envelope so the DPS can send your new license back to you.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, you have changed your name, or your address needs to be updated on the license itself. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas DPS driver license office and renew on the spot. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment in cash, check, or card. The fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license the same day.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, you have changed your name, or your address on the license is outdated and you want it corrected. It is also the only option if you are renewing more than two years after expiration.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Early morning, midweek visits (Tuesday through Thursday) are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website, which can cut your wait time significantly.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension with the DPS. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. The DPS website shows your license status if you log in with your driver license number and date of birth.

Once you have cleared the suspension (paid fines, resolved the court issue, or satisfied the other requirement), you can renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof that the suspension has been lifted, such as a court document or payment receipt. In-person renewal is your only option in this case.

Renewing with a name change

If you have changed your name since your last renewal—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you must renew in person. Bring your current driver license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The fee is the same: $25 for four years or $50 for eight years.

The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name the same day. If you are also changing your address, bring proof of your new address as well.

Updating your address during renewal

If your mailing address has changed but your license still shows your old address, you can update it during renewal. For online renewal, you cannot change your address—the new license will be mailed to the address on file. For mail or in-person renewal, you can provide your new address and it will appear on your new license.

If you need to update your address before your license expires and do not want to renew yet, you can change your address online through the DPS website without renewing. This is useful if you have moved recently and want your license to reflect your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No, online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired within the last two years. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has already expired.

What if I lose my renewal notice before I can use it?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online or by mail using your driver license number and Social Security number instead of the renewal number. If you prefer to use the renewal number, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to request a new notice.

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

It depends on the ticket. If you have an unpaid fine or a failure-to-appear warrant, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew until it is resolved. Check your license status on the DPS website to see if there are any holds. If there are, contact the court that issued the ticket to resolve it.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but many DPS offices allow you to schedule one online, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether appointments are available.

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.