Texas driver's license renewal: in-person, by mail, or online

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is the fastest and costs nothing extra, but it is only open to people whose licenses are not yet expired and who have not renewed online in the past two years.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go in person or by mail. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Processing takes a few minutes at the office, and you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 10 minutes and costs nothing if your license is not yet expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few minutes, costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and a check or money order to the DPS address in Austin.
  • If your license has expired, you cannot renew online and must choose in-person or mail renewal instead.
  • Texas 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 if your license is not yet expired

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will need your current 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 ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step.

Online renewal does not include a new photo — the system uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and there is no fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary paper license with online renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is already expired, if you have renewed online within the past two years, or if you need to change your name, gender marker, or address to something other than what is on file. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked.

In-person renewal at a DPS office: bring documents and expect a wait

Find your nearest DPS office at dps.texas.gov/driver-license/locations and check the office hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, one document proving Texas residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — just know the number.

The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card depending on the office. You will have your photo taken at the office, so wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. Processing usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your plastic license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want to update your address, name, or gender marker. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website before you go.

Mail renewal: slowest option but no office visit required

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and is useful only if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo or address change. read or request the form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $16 (four years) or $32 (eight years) to the address listed on the form.

The DPS mailing address for renewals is: Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15999, Austin, TX 78761-5999. Include a return address on your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you within four to six weeks of receipt. Do not send cash. If you are mailing from outside Texas, allow extra time for postal delivery.

Mail renewal does not include a new photo — your existing photo will be used. If your address has changed, you cannot update it by mail; you must renew in person. If your license is already expired, the DPS will not process a mail renewal and will return your documents.

Renewal timeline: when you can renew and when your license expires

Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before your birthday or up to two years after your birthday. If you renew before your birthday, your new license will expire on the same birthday four or eight years later. If you renew after your birthday, your new license will still expire on that same birthday — you do not get extra time.

For example, if your birthday is March 15 and your license expires on March 15, 2024, you can renew starting March 15, 2023 (one year early) and as late as March 15, 2026 (two years late). If you renew on January 1, 2024, your new license will expire on March 15, 2028 (four years from your birthday, not from the renewal date).

If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still renew up to two years late without penalty. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you can.

Documents you need: residency proof and identification

For in-person renewal, bring one document proving Texas residency dated within the past 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance policy. The document must show your name and current address. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option.

You also need your current driver's license and your Social Security number (you do not need to bring the card). If you are renewing by mail, send your current license along with the completed DL-44 form and payment. For online renewal, you only need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth — you do not need to upload or mail any documents.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or travel document showing your legal status in the United States.

Fees and payment methods for Texas license renewal

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the only two options available for renewal. You cannot renew for a shorter period. For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, check, and card, though some offices may have different payment options — call ahead to confirm. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only; do not send cash. Online renewal has no fee.

If you are renewing in person and paying by check, make it payable to the "Texas Department of Public Safety." If you are renewing by mail, include the check or money order in the same envelope as your process and license. There are no additional fees for address changes, photo updates, or name changes during renewal — they are included in the base fee.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common mistake is trying to renew online when your license is already expired. The online system will reject you, and you will have to start over with in-person or mail renewal. Check your expiration date before you begin. Another mistake is mailing your original license without making a copy first — if your mail is lost, you will have no proof of your license number. Make a copy of both sides of your license before mailing it.

Do not assume your address is current in the DPS system. If you moved and did not update your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address. If you are renewing online, confirm your address during the process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address. If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, you must renew in person instead.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year early, and doing so avoids the risk of driving with an expired license. If you are renewing by mail, start the process at least six weeks before your expiration date to account for postal delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew online if your license is not yet expired, or by mail if your license is not yet expired. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas — you cannot renew by mail or online once it is expired. If you are stationed overseas or living abroad, contact the DPS to ask about options.

What happens if I drive with an expired license in Texas?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. You can be stopped and cited. However, you have a grace period: you can renew up to two years after your expiration date without penalty. If you are stopped while your license is expired but within the two-year window, explain that you are in the renewal process. Renew as soon as you can to avoid further citations.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You can also renew in person if your appearance has changed significantly since your last photo was taken.

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

Online and in-person renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. In-person renewal includes a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your plastic card. Online renewal does not include a temporary license.

Can I change my address during renewal?

Yes, if you renew in person or online. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). For online renewal, update your address during the process. If you are renewing by mail, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person instead.