How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing Your Texas Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

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 meet the requirements — 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 the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Your renewal method depends on when your license expires, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to change any information on it. Texas sends renewal reminders about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the reminder to start the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but requires you to mail in your current license and a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, and you will need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need to change your name, address, or other personal information. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Online." You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card).

The online system will verify your identity and check your driving record. If you have unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or other holds on your license, the system will tell you before you pay. You cannot complete online renewal if any holds exist — you must resolve them first or renew in person. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after approval. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped while waiting for your physical license to arrive.

Mail Renewal: What You Need to Send

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than two years ago. read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $16 (four-year license) or $32 (eight-year license) — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. You can track your process status on the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number. If the DPS finds a problem with your process or needs more information, they will mail you a notice. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved.

Do not send your current license by certified mail or require a signature — use regular mail. The DPS receives thousands of applications daily, and certified mail can cause delays if the package sits in a signature queue.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a CDL, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Bring your current driver's license or expired license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents vary — the Texas DPS website lists all approved documents under "Acceptable Documents."

Visit a DPS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busiest on Fridays and during lunch hours. Some DPS offices allow you to make an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which can reduce wait time. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.

You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. If you fail the vision test, you may be issued a license with restrictions (such as corrective lenses required). Your new license will be printed on site, and you can leave with it the same day.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired More Than Two Years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you must provide more documentation and pass a vision test and written knowledge test.

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You may also need to provide proof of a valid Social Security number if you do not have a Social Security card. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. If you have not driven in Texas for several years, you may want to review the Texas Driver Handbook before your appointment.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you moved to a new address in Texas or changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

If you moved out of Texas and then moved back, you may need to provide proof of Texas residency. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and other documents showing your name and current Texas address. A list of all acceptable documents is on the Texas DPS website.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires without any penalty or fee increase. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire one year after your current license would have expired. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew on January 15, 2025, your new license will expire on March 15, 2026.

Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or because they are planning a trip and want a fresh license. Early renewal works the same way as regular renewal: you can go online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your online renewal is approved. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after approval, which is valid for 30 days and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped.

What if I have unpaid traffic tickets or child support arrears?

You cannot renew online or by mail if holds exist on your license. You must resolve the tickets or arrears first, then renew in person at a DPS office or try online renewal again once the holds are cleared. The online system will tell you which holds are blocking your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired less than two years ago. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office, which means you will need to return to Texas or visit a DPS office in another state if one is available.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

You do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail — your current photo will be used. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will take a new photo as part of the renewal process.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.