The fastest way to renew in Texas
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical suspensions, you are not required to take a new photo, and your address is current with the DMV. If all of those explore, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Texas has about 170 DMV locations across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the DMV website. In-person renewal takes longer but handles situations online renewal cannot — a suspended license, a required new photo, or an address change.
Your Texas license is valid for five or eight years depending on which you choose at renewal. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DMV website works only if your license is not suspended, you do not need a new photo, and your address is current — otherwise you must visit an office in person.
- Online renewal costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency if your address changed, and payment by cash, check, or card.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you have time to plan ahead.
- Texas does not require a vision test or written exam for license renewal unless you are over 79 or have certain medical conditions.
Renewing online through the Texas DMV website
Start at the Texas DMV website and look for the online renewal option. 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 pull up your record and ask you to confirm your personal information and address.
After you confirm your details, you will choose your license term — five years or eight years — and pay the renewal fee. Texas accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks online. Once your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not issue a temporary license, so if your current license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving with an expired license. For this reason, renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date gives you a safety margin.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
If you cannot renew online, visit a DMV office with the documents the office requires. Bring your current driver's license or another valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
At the office, a staff member will take a new photo for your license, verify your information, and process your payment. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can pay by cash, check, or card. The fee is the same as online renewal: $25 for five years or $50 for eight years.
When you finish, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license lets you drive legally while you wait for the real one.
When you need a vision test or written exam
Texas does not require a vision test or written exam for most license renewals. However, if you are 79 years old or older, the DMV will ask you to pass a vision test. If you have certain medical conditions — such as diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease — the DMV may require a vision test or a report from your doctor before renewing.
If the DMV contacts you about a medical condition, follow the instructions in the letter they send. You may need to visit your doctor, have them fill out a form, and submit it to the DMV before your renewal can be completed. This process can take several weeks, so do not wait until your license is about to expire if you know you have a condition the DMV tracks.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or in person at a routine DMV office. A suspension is usually temporary — often for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical issue — while a revocation is more serious and longer-lasting. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DMV will have sent you a letter explaining why and what you need to do to restore it.
To restore your license, you typically must resolve the underlying issue: pay outstanding fines, clear a medical hold, or complete a required course. Once you have done that, contact the DMV to confirm your suspension or revocation has been lifted. Only then can you renew. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DMV at 1-888-589-6789 or check your status on the DMV website.
Renewing by mail if you live outside Texas
If you live outside Texas but still hold a Texas license, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process from the Texas DMV website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of your out-of-state address, and mail everything to the address on the form along with your payment.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. For this reason, mail in your process well before your license expires. You will not receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so plan accordingly if your current license is close to expiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket. If you have unpaid fines, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew until you pay. If the ticket is paid or you have a court date scheduled, you can usually renew. Check your license status on the DMV website or call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm before you try to renew.
What happens if I drive with an expired Texas license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic ticket. If you are pulled over, you may be fined. For this reason, renew your license before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — there is no grace period, but the renewal process is the same.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Texas license?
Most of the time, yes. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you renew online, the DMV will use your current photo unless it is more than 16 years old, in which case you must visit an office in person for a new photo.
How long does it take to get my renewed Texas license in the mail?
After you renew online or in person, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. If your license expires before your new one arrives, use your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) to drive legally.
Can I change my address when I renew my Texas license?
Yes. If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and the DMV will update it for you. If you renew by mail, include a copy of your proof of address with your process.