Renewing Your Texas Driver License: The Basic Process
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver license renewals in Texas. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. Most standard renewals take 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, though in-person renewal is faster.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal number, which you will need if you renew online or by mail. If you have not received a notice, you can still renew — you just need your driver license number and other identifying information instead.
Key Takeaways
- Texas offers three renewal methods — online, by mail, and in person — and which one you can use depends on your license class and whether it has been expired for more than two years.
- Online renewal costs $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal, while mail renewal costs $25 for a one-year or five-year renewal.
- You can renew online at the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) using your renewal notice number or driver license number, a valid email address, and a payment method.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test and written exam.
- The DPS mails renewed licenses to your address on file, so update your address before renewing if you have moved.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option for Most People
Online renewal through the DPS website is available for most standard Class D (passenger vehicle) licenses that have not been expired for more than two years. You do not need an appointment, and you can renew at any time of day. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License Online Services." You will need either your renewal notice number or your driver license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid email address and a payment method — the DPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Online renewal costs $16 for a one-year license or $48 for a five-year license.
After you complete the online form and payment, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pick it up in person at a DPS office once it arrives, though you will need to call ahead to confirm it is ready.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not may be able to access for online renewal or if you prefer not to renew online. You can renew by mail if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you are renewing a standard Class D license.
Use the renewal notice the DPS mailed you. Fill out the form on the back, include a check or money order for $25 (which covers both one-year and five-year renewals), and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver license or another form of ID if the DPS requests it on your renewal notice.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect 2 to 3 weeks for the DPS to receive your process, process it, and mail your new license to you. If your renewal notice has been lost, you can request a new one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visiting a DPS office in person.
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 are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement, or if you need to update your photo or personal information. In-person renewal also applies if your license was suspended or revoked.
Visit your local DPS office with your current driver license (or expired license if it is not too old), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring your renewal notice if you have it. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written exam if your license has been expired for more than two years.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. The DPS issues your new license on the spot if you pass the vision test and exam. You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times at dps.texas.gov.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You must renew in person, pass a vision test, and pass the written driving exam. You will also need to provide proof of residency and Social Security number.
If your license has been suspended or revoked due to unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.
Costs and Payment Methods
Online renewal costs $16 for a one-year license or $48 for a five-year license. Mail renewal costs $25 for either a one-year or five-year license. In-person renewal costs vary depending on your license type and whether you need a new photo, but standard Class D renewal is typically $25 to $30.
The DPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online renewal. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some offices may have different payment options. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
If you are renewing a commercial driver license or adding an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), the cost is higher. Check the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6900 for current pricing on these renewals.
Updating Your Address or Other Information
If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address before or during renewal. For online renewal, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and the DPS will update it for you.
If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other personal information on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the required documents — for a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; for a gender marker change, bring a letter from a physician or other supporting documentation. The DPS website lists all required documents for each type of change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Texas to renew. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any DPS office in Texas, or contact the DPS to ask about options if you cannot travel to Texas.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without your renewal notice. For online renewal, use your driver license number instead of your renewal notice number. For mail renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to request a new notice, or visit a DPS office in person.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days for online renewal and 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a DPS office and you will receive it the same day.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person at a DPS office so you receive it the same day.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or other requirements.