How to renew your Texas driver's license

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the Texas DPS website.

Your license must be expired or within 60 days of expiration to renew. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Texas DPS; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment booked online and is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Texas driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose; the eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer.
  • You will need to provide proof of residency and identity documents if you renew in person, but online and mail renewal do not require new documents if your information has not changed.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records and show you whether you are may be able to access.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is not expired by more than two years, you have not changed your name, address, or gender marker since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the system will tell you to renew in person instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

Mail renewal by sending your documents to the DPS

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired by more than two years and your personal information has not changed. You will need to complete form DL-44 (available on the Texas DPS website), include your current driver's license, and send both along with payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail your renewal package to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15731, Austin, TX 78761-5731. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your package. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the DPS to return your old license; otherwise, they will destroy it. Your new license will arrive by mail once processing is complete.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Renewing in person is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you have changed your name or address, you need a new photo, or you want to update your gender marker. You must book an appointment through the Texas DPS website before you go to an office — walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in large cities, so book as soon as you know you need to renew.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). You will have your photo taken and may be asked to read an eye chart. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also take the written test and vision screening. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. When you arrive, you will need to complete the renewal process as if you were getting your first license: you will take the written test, pass a vision screening, and have a new photo taken. You do not need to take the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, but you do need to bring proof of identity and Texas residency.

Book your appointment through the Texas DPS website as soon as you can. Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with your identity and residency documents. If you have lost your expired license, bring two forms of identity instead. The DPS will charge the standard renewal fee, not a penalty fee, even though your license has been expired for a long time.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

When you renew, you can choose a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts twice as long, so the annual cost is the same either way. Most people choose the eight-year license to avoid renewing as often. If you are under 21, you cannot get an eight-year license — your license will expire when you turn 21, and you will need to renew it then.

If you renew online or by mail, you will see the option to choose your license term during the process. If you renew in person, tell the DPS employee which term you want when you arrive. You cannot change your choice after you submit your renewal, so decide before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I have changed my address?

If you have changed your address, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new Texas residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days. Bring your current driver's license and a form of identity as well.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready, which is valid while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

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

Online and mail renewal take seven to ten business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is when ready — you get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. Processing times may be longer during peak periods.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Texas DPS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Texas driver's license?

If you renew online or by mail, your old photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you must renew in person instead.