Texas Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 business days and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will need to appear in person, which requires an appointment and takes longer.

Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires or up to two years after it expires. Your current license must not have been suspended or revoked, and you must not have any disqualifying medical conditions. If either of those applies to you, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 for a four-year license and takes about 10 business days, but you must meet specific requirements including a valid Social Security number and no recent address changes.
  • Mail renewal is available only if you received a renewal notice from Texas DPS; you send the notice, your current license, and a check to the address on the notice.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment booked through the Texas DPS website; bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office or have it expedited through standard renewal channels.
  • If your license has been suspended, revoked, or you have medical conditions that affect driving, you must renew in person and may need additional documentation.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that would disqualify you, and your address has not changed since your license was issued. You must also have a valid Social Security number on file with Texas DPS. If you meet these conditions, the process takes about 10 minutes.

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Texas DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file within 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license; your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal does not include a new photo or address change. If you need either, you must renew in person. The same applies if your name has changed since your last license was issued.

Mail Renewal: When It Is Available

Mail renewal is only an option if Texas DPS sent you a renewal notice in the mail. You cannot request a renewal notice; DPS sends them automatically to drivers whose licenses are expiring soon. If you received a notice, follow the instructions on it exactly — the process varies slightly depending on your license type and age.

Enclose your current driver's license, the renewal notice, and a check or money order made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety" in an envelope. Mail it to the address printed on the renewal notice. Do not send cash. Processing takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your envelope. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice.

Mail renewal does not include a new photo or address change. If you need to update your address or photograph, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-Person Renewal: Appointments and Documents

You must book an appointment to renew in person at a Texas DPS office. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Schedule an Appointment." Select your county and the nearest office location, then pick an available date and time. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. If no appointments are available in your area, check surrounding counties or try again the next day when new slots may open.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

At your appointment, DPS will take a new photograph and verify your information. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You cannot pick it up at the office.

Address Changes and Name Changes

If your address has changed since your license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. DPS will update your address during the renewal process.

If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. A photocopy is not acceptable. DPS will issue a license with your new name.

Suspended or Revoked Licenses

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through any method. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with Texas DPS. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely.

Contact the Texas DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can renew through the normal process. If your license is suspended due to medical reasons, you will need to renew in person and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a driving test.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online renewal takes about 10 business days from the time you submit your payment. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your envelope. In-person renewal takes 10 business days after your appointment. In all cases, your renewed license is mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office or have it expedited.

Your current license remains valid until it expires, even if you have already submitted your renewal. If your renewed license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Texas DPS Driver License Division. Do not assume it is lost and request a replacement; DPS can track your renewal and tell you where it is in the process.

If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, your current license is still valid. You do not need a temporary license or any other document.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the requirements for those methods. If you need to renew in person, you must travel to a Texas DPS office; there is no way to renew in person from another state.

What if my license expired more than two years ago?

You cannot renew an expired license. You must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person appointment, a written test, and a driving test. Contact Texas DPS to schedule an appointment.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photograph. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. You choose which one to purchase when you renew; the eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts twice as long.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Contact the Texas DPS Driver License Division with your new address. DPS can redirect your renewed license to your new address if you call before it ships. If it has already shipped, you may need to request a duplicate license with your new address.