Where to renew your Texas driver license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver license renewals in Texas. You can renew in person at any DPS Driver License office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license type qualifies. The fastest route depends on your license status, how soon you need it, and whether you can renew without an in-person visit.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process, plus mailing time both ways. Online renewal, when available, is when ready — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
DPS operates over 130 Driver License offices across Texas. You do not have to renew at the office where you originally got your license; any DPS office will process your renewal. Check the DPS website for office locations, hours, and current wait times before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS processes renewals in person, by mail, or online depending on your license type and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you need to change your address or name.
- Online and mail renewal are only available if your license is still valid or expired less than two years, you have no address or name changes, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations.
- The renewal fee in Texas is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
- Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal; requirements differ slightly for mail and online renewal.
In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you hold a CDL, if you have had any license suspensions or revocations, or if you need to change your address or legal name. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class or add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat).
Bring these documents: your current Texas driver license (or expired license if current one is not available), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your driving record and any medical conditions. The fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your physical card is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal through DPS
Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you have had no address or name changes since your last renewal, you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you do not hold a CDL. You must also be between 18 and 84 years old and have no medical conditions that require in-person review.
read the process for Texas Driver License (Form DL-43) from the DPS website or request it by mail. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $33 (four-year) or $66 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license or a recent government-issued photo ID.
DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal or go to a DPS office in person.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the same conditions as mail renewal: valid or recently expired license (less than two years), no address or name changes, no suspensions or revocations, no CDL, and age 18 to 84. You will need your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $33 or $66 fee.
Go to the DPS online renewal portal on the official Texas DPS website. Enter your license number and personal information, answer the required questions, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary digital license on your screen when ready that you can screenshot or save. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The temporary digital license is valid for 45 days and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped while waiting for your physical card. Keep it on your phone or print it until the new card arrives.
What to do if your license has been expired more than two years
If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a DPS Driver License office in person and complete a full renewal process. This is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to provide more documentation and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
Bring your expired license if you still have it, proof of Texas residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity (passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID). If your address has changed since your license expired, bring current proof of residency at your new address. You will pay the standard renewal fee of $33 or $66.
DPS may require you to pass the written driving test again if your license has been expired for a very long time. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask whether you need to study the Texas Driver Handbook before you come in.
Commercial driver license (CDL) renewal
CDL renewals must be done in person at a DPS Driver License office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. Bring your current CDL, proof of Texas residency, proof of Social Security number, and medical certification (FMCSA Form MCSA-5875) if your CDL requires it. Most CDLs require current medical certification.
You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you may need to pass a written test or skills test. The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, the same as a standard license. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days while your physical card is mailed to you.
If your medical certification has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it before or at the same time as your CDL renewal. Get the medical exam from a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.
Fees, timelines, and what happens next
| Renewal Method | Fee | Processing Time | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at DPS office | $33 (4-year) or $66 (8-year) | 30 minutes average | Temporary paper license same day; physical card in 7–10 business days |
| Mail renewal | $33 (4-year) or $66 (8-year) | 7–10 business days after receipt | Physical card mailed to you; add 3–5 days for postal delivery |
| Online renewal | $33 (4-year) or $66 (8-year) | when ready | Digital temporary license when ready; physical card in 7–10 business days |
When you renew, you choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer, so the per-year cost is lower. Most people choose based on how long they plan to keep their current address and whether they expect any name changes.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you have moved recently, update your address before you renew so the card goes to the right place. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and doing so early avoids the rush and ensures you have a valid license. If you are close to expiration and need your license quickly, go in person rather than using mail renewal.
Do not send cash in the mail. DPS will not process applications that include cash, and you will not get a refund. Use a check or money order for mail renewal, or a credit or debit card for online renewal.
Do not assume you can renew online or by mail if you have had any changes since your last renewal. Even a small address change requires in-person renewal. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal, call your local DPS office or check the DPS website before you submit anything.
Do not lose your temporary paper license. It is valid for 45 days and is your only proof of a valid license until your physical card arrives. If you lose it, go back to the DPS office and request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you are close to expiration and want to avoid the rush or if you are planning a trip and want to make sure your license is current.
What if I have moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office if you have changed your address. Bring proof of your new Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You cannot use mail or online renewal if your address has changed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license valid for 45 days the same day, and your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail or online, your physical card takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS processes your process, plus mailing time.
Do I need to take a written test or vision test when I renew?
For in-person renewal, you will take a vision test and answer questions about your driving record and health. You will not take a written test unless your license has been expired for a very long time or you are renewing a CDL. For mail and online renewal, no tests are required.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS, then go to a DPS office in person to renew. Contact DPS to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to clear it.