Renewing Your Texas License: The Basic Steps
You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than going to an office. You are not required to take a new written test or road test when you renew — you only update your information and pay the renewal fee.
Your license is valid for six years if you are between 18 and 84 years old. Texas sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
The renewal fee is $61 for a six-year license if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal costs $53 because you skip the office visit. If you renew by mail, expect the new license to arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is faster — your temporary license prints when ready, and your physical card arrives within the same timeframe.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online for $53, by mail for $61, or in person at a DPS office for $61, and you do not need to retake any tests.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and gives you a temporary license you can print right away while you wait for your card.
- Your license is valid for six years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
- If you have changed your name, address, or other information, you will need to renew in person or provide updated documents with a mail renewal.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is the quickest and cheapest option. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
The system will show you your current information and ask you to confirm or update it. You can change your address, phone number, or emergency contact during this step. If everything is correct, you proceed to payment. Texas accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
After you pay, the system generates a temporary license that you can print when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, or identification purposes while you wait for your permanent card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than two years, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your name or address on your license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. You can also pick one up at any DPS office. Fill out the process and mail it with your current license, the renewal fee ($61), and any required documents.
If your address or name has changed, include proof of the change — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement for an address change, or a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. Mail everything to the address shown on the process form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your process. You will not have a temporary license while you wait, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives. If you are renewing more than two years after your license expired, you cannot use the mail option — you must renew in person.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and the renewal fee ($61). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you are renewing for the first time or if your number has changed. If you have changed your name, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you hold a commercial driver's license.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the standard process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person.
When you renew an expired license in person, the DPS may ask you to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have any violations on your record. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask whether you need to study for the test.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be required to take both the written test and the road test, as if you were a new driver. The DPS will tell you what is required when you arrive at the office.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and the renewal fee ($61).
The DPS will take a new photo and verify your information. Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you may need to pass a medical examination or provide a medical certificate. The office will tell you what documents you need before you arrive.
You do not need to retake the written or road test to renew a CDL unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have certain violations on your record. Ask the DPS office what applies to your situation.
Changing Your Information During Renewal
You can update your address, phone number, or emergency contact information during any renewal method. If you are renewing online, you make these changes in the form before you pay. If you are renewing by mail, write the new information on your process. If you are renewing in person, tell the DPS employee what needs to change.
If you need to change your name, you cannot do it online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide a legal document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DPS will not process a name change without this document.
If you need to change your gender marker or add an X for gender, you can do this during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your gender marker. For mail or in-person renewal, tell the DPS employee or write it on your process. You may need to provide a court order or a letter from a physician, depending on the change you are making — call the DPS to confirm what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You may be asked to retake the written test or both the written and road tests if your license has been expired for a long time.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. Go to a DPS office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The DPS will issue you a replacement license and you can renew it at the same time. You will pay both fees — one for the replacement and one for the renewal.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your renewal. If you renew online or in person, you get a temporary license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If you renew by mail, you will not have a temporary license while you wait.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your current photo from your existing license. If you renew in person, the DPS takes a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill?
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have any of these, call the DPS to ask what other documents they will accept.