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 through the DPS website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had certain violations or address changes that require an in-person visit.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license and a completed Form DL-44 to the DPS, though this takes longer. In-person renewal at a DPS office is fastest if you need your license when ready — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DPS website is the quickest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing around $25 to $27.
  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical holds, and you have not changed your address or had certain violations.
  • Mail renewal requires sending your current license and Form DL-44 to the DPS address listed on their website, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within two weeks, but requires an appointment.
  • Your Texas license is valid for six years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.

Renewing Online Through the DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will 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 ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions. If everything matches the DPS records, you can complete the transaction in one session.

The renewal fee is typically $25 to $27, depending on whether you add a Real ID endorsement or other options. Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical suspension on your record, if you have changed your address in the last 60 days, or if you have had certain traffic violations or criminal convictions. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-44 from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (typically $25 to $27) — do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your materials. There is no way to track your process by mail, so allow extra time before your license expires. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster. Keep in mind that you cannot drive legally once your license expires, so plan ahead if you choose this method.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

Visit the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and book an appointment. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken.

The renewal fee at an office is typically $25 to $27. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. In-person renewal is the best choice if your license is about to expire and you need to drive right away, or if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, a driving test, and new documents (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number). The process is the same as a first-time license process and takes longer than renewal.

If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal (your confirmation number or receipt). Keep that proof with you in your vehicle.

Real ID and Other License Options

When you renew, you can add a Real ID endorsement to your license for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). A Real ID license is required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. If you do not add Real ID during renewal, your current license will remain valid for driving and other purposes, but you will not be able to use it for air travel after May 2025.

You can also renew with a Hazmat endorsement or commercial driver's license (CDL) if you hold one, though these may require additional testing or in-person visits. Check the DPS website to see which options explore to your situation.

Timeline and Planning

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. If you plan to travel or need your license for work, renew at least three weeks before it expires to account for mail delays or office wait times. Online renewal is the fastest option and can be completed up to one year in advance.

If you are renewing close to your expiration date, in-person renewal is your safest bet — you will have a valid temporary license the same day. Check the DPS website for office hours and appointment availability in your area, as some offices book up quickly during peak renewal periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a license from that state. You can renew a Texas license by mail or online only if your address on file with the DPS is still in Texas.

What if the DPS rejects my online renewal?

The system will tell you why — usually because your address changed recently, you have a medical hold, or your information does not match DPS records. You will be directed to renew in person or by mail instead. Visit a DPS office with your current license and proof of residency to resolve the issue.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Yes. The Texas DPS requires appointments for in-person renewal. Book your appointment through the DPS website. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices, though some locations may have limited same-day appointments available.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your plastic license should arrive within two weeks, but if it does not, contact the DPS to check the status of your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid tickets. However, the DPS may suspend your license if you fail to pay court-ordered fines or child support. Check your DPS record online to see if there are any holds on your license before you attempt to renew.