What You Need to Do to Renew in Texas

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Texas license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

The renewal fee is $61 for a six-year license, or $31 for a three-year license if you are age 85 or older. You pay this fee regardless of which renewal method you choose. Texas does not accept cash by mail, so online and mail renewals require a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person, but online and mail renewals are only available if your license has not been expired for more than two years.
  • The renewal fee is $61 for a six-year license, paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check — cash is not accepted for mail or online renewals.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the new license is valid for six years from the date you renew.
  • If you need to change your address, update your name, or correct other information, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
  • Expired licenses can be renewed in person for up to two years after expiration; after two years, you must retake the written test and vision screening.

Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.

Online renewal is available only if your license has not been expired for more than two years, you do not need to change your address or other personal information, and you do not have certain medical or legal restrictions on your license. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes and pay the $61 fee with a credit card or debit card.

After you submit your online renewal, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during that time.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than two years, you cannot need to change your address or personal information, and you cannot have certain restrictions. To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website.

Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Sign and date the form. Mail it along with a check or money order for $61 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. If you need your new license sooner, online renewal or an in-person visit is faster. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records in case questions arise.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, if you have medical or legal restrictions, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail options.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Pay the $61 renewal fee with cash, credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Visit any DPS Driver License office. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website for office hours and locations near you. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will take a vision screening and may need to retake the written test, depending on your age and driving record.

Real ID Compliance and License Upgrades

Texas offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard Texas license is not Real ID-compliant. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person.

To upgrade to Real ID, bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal, plus an additional document proving your identity and residency. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($61 for six years), but the card looks slightly different and is marked as Real ID-compliant.

If you do not upgrade during renewal, you can still use your standard Texas license for driving. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for federal purposes like domestic air travel — you will need a Real ID license, passport, or other federal ID.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires, you can still renew it in person for up to two years after the expiration date. During this window, you do not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless you are over 79 years old or have certain medical conditions. After two years of expiration, you must treat the renewal as a new license process: you will retake the written test, vision screening, and photograph.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

If your license has been expired for a long time and you are unsure of the exact expiration date, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local DPS office to check your status before you attempt to renew.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is trying to renew online or by mail when you are not may be able to access. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must go in person. If you need to change your address, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a DPS office. Check your may be able to access on the DPS website before you start the process.

Another frequent error is sending cash by mail. The DPS does not accept cash for mail renewals. Use a check or money order only. For online renewals, you must use a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

People also sometimes forget to bring proof of residency when renewing in person. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days is required. If you do not have one, you can bring two documents from the DPS's alternative list, such as a bank statement and an insurance policy. Check the DPS website for the full list before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a current Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you have moved out of state, you should surrender your Texas license and obtain a license from your new state. If you moved temporarily but still maintain a Texas residence, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license has not been expired for more than two years.

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

Online renewal typically takes two to three weeks for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license when ready — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. There is no additional fee for a lost license renewal — you pay only the standard $61 renewal fee.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I am over 79 years old?

Yes. Texas requires all drivers age 79 and older to renew in person and retake the vision screening at each renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail, regardless of whether your license has expired. Visit a DPS office with your current license and proof of residency.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS or the court, depending on the reason. Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out the status of your license and what steps are required to restore it before you can renew.