Where to renew your Texas driver's license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals in Texas. You can renew in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if you need a new photo, have a suspended or expired license, or want to change your address or name on the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Texas lets you renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions to report, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; your new license arrives by mail.
- Mail renewal costs $16 and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you send your current license and a completed form to DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25 and you receive a temporary license on the spot, with your permanent license arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You must renew before your license expires; Texas does not allow grace periods for expired licenses.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is currently valid (not expired or suspended), you have no medical conditions to report to DPS, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, and you are renewing a standard Class C driver's license. You cannot renew online if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement.
To renew online, visit the DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $25. After you submit your information, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you pay.
You will receive a confirmation email when ready after payment. Keep this email for your records. Your new license will arrive by mail in a plain envelope; if you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact DPS to check the status.
Mail renewal by sending your current license
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information. This method is slower than online renewal but requires no office visit and costs less — only $16 instead of $25.
To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash; include a check or money order for $16 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope.
Send your materials by regular mail or certified mail — certified mail gives you proof of delivery if something goes wrong. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license.
In-person renewal at a DPS driver's license office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you need a new photo; if you want to change your name or address on the same day; or if you hold a CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat endorsement. In-person renewal also works if you prefer not to use online or mail options.
Find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the DPS website. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The fee for in-person renewal is $25. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact DPS.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of SSN, payment method | $25 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed Form DL-43, check or money order | $16 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security card or document | $25 | Temporary license same day; permanent in 7–10 business days |
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your Texas driver's license is valid for either 5 or 8 years, depending on your age when you received it. Licenses issued to drivers under 85 years old are valid for 8 years. Licenses issued to drivers 85 and older are valid for 5 years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.
You must renew before your license expires. Texas does not grant a grace period — once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must renew in person at a DPS office. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine.
DPS typically sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a reminder, check your expiration date on your license and plan ahead. You can also check your license status on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard online, mail, or office renewal process. A suspension or revocation typically results from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI conviction, or accumulation of too many traffic violations. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court that issued it.
Contact DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it. Some suspensions can be lifted by paying outstanding fines or court costs. Others require you to complete a defensive driving course or attend a hearing. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license in person at a DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee and process are the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
If you moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can update your address at the same time you renew your license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
After you pay online, DPS processes your renewal and mails your new license. Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but delivery time depends on your location and mail service. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact DPS to verify the status.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this document along with your current license and proof of residency.
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license arrives. If you renew online or by mail, you must not drive until your new license arrives.