Renewing your Texas driver license in person or by mail

You can renew your Texas driver license either in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or by mail, depending on your situation. In-person renewal takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license has not been renewed by mail in the past two times. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal costs $16 and takes 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal costs $25 and gives you a temporary license when ready.
  • You can only renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions listed on it, and you have not used mail renewal for your last two renewals.
  • Texas driver licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
  • If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and residency documents.
  • You can renew online through the DPS website if you meet mail renewal requirements, but you still receive your license by mail.

When your Texas license expires and when you can renew

Your Texas driver license expires on your birthday. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before that date, which gives you a long window to complete it without rushing.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process—mail or in person—as long as it expired fewer than two years ago. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you must take the written test and vision test again, even if you are renewing rather than explore for a new license.

Renewing by mail or online

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license or a recent utility bill showing your current address.

You can also renew online through the DPS website if you meet the mail renewal requirements. Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal ($16) and takes the same amount of time, but you do not have to print and mail anything. You pay by credit or debit card and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Neither mail nor online renewal gives you a temporary license. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives in the mail. If you need to drive before then, you must renew in person instead.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

To renew in person, visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past three months), and $25 in cash or card. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Real ID renewal and what documents you need

If you want a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), you must renew in person. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, and it is required starting May 7, 2025, for domestic air travel.

For Real ID renewal, bring your current driver license, proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate), and two documents showing your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement, each dated within the past three months). You will also need your Social Security number. The fee is $25, the same as a standard in-person renewal.

If you renew in person without requesting Real ID, your new license will not have the gold star and will not meet federal Real ID requirements. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DPS office again and bringing the citizenship and address documents.

What happens if your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions

If your license is suspended for any reason—unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or other violations—you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office, and the officer will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you must do to lift it.

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only), you also cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person so the DPS can update your medical information and may support the restrictions are still necessary.

If you believe your suspension has been lifted or your medical restriction no longer applies, contact the DPS before you renew to confirm your status. Attempting to renew while suspended can result in additional penalties.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license while renewing

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can renew and replace it at the same time. You must do this in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of residency and $25. You do not need to file a police report for a lost or stolen license, though you may want to for your own records.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can choose to renew it early (before your birthday) or wait until your regular renewal date. Early renewal costs the same $25 and resets your expiration date to your birthday five years from the renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if I 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 should get a driver license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Texas but are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online as long as you meet the other requirements.

What if I have a commercial driver license (CDL)?

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office and pass the required knowledge and skills tests. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $25.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the DPS to check the status of your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?

If you owe child support, your license will be suspended and you must renew in person. The DPS officer will inform you of the suspension. For unpaid traffic fines, contact the court or the municipality where the ticket was issued to find out whether your license is suspended. If it is, you must resolve the fine before your renewal will be processed.

What if my name on my Social Security card does not match my driver license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you renew in person. The DPS will update your record to match your current legal name.