How to renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at the DPS website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online—because your license has been suspended, you need to change your address, or you are over 79 years old—you must go to a DPS office or use the mail option if you are may be able to access.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have had any changes to your name or address, and how quickly you need the new card. If your current license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
- You can only renew online if your license expired within the last two years, you have no address changes, and your license has not been suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are 65 or older, disabled, or active military stationed outside Texas, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your address, or you have a suspended or revoked license.
- You will need your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to renew in person.
Online renewal: the fastest route for most people
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Online Services section. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes less than a minute.
Once you pass the identity check, you will review your current license information and confirm it is correct. If your address, name, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the renewal online—you must visit a DPS office instead. After you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. A four-year license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32. You will receive a confirmation number by email when ready.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.
Mail renewal: available only for specific groups
Mail renewal is limited to three groups: people 65 and older, people with a disability, and active military members stationed outside Texas. To renew by mail, you must read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your renewal fee and a copy of your current license.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. You will need to pay by check or money order; credit cards are not accepted by mail. The renewal fee is the same as online: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of disability or military status if you are using one of those categories to may have access to.
If you are 65 or older, you do not need to provide additional documentation—your age on file qualifies you. Mail your completed form to the address shown on the DL-44, and keep a copy for your records.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or name, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you are over 79 years old. Visit a DPS office with your current license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address and dated within the last 90 days. A valid form of identification can be a passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.
In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the same fee as online renewal ($16 or $32 depending on the license term) by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
The Texas DPS has offices in most cities and counties. Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you, its hours, and whether it accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices are appointment-only, especially in larger cities. If appointments are required, you can book one online through the DPS website.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. If you go to an office that accepts walk-ins, arrive early to avoid long waits. Some offices close for lunch, so check the hours before you go.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Before you renew, you will need to resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation—this might mean paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, or paying child support arrears.
Contact the DPS or the agency that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take. Once you have resolved the issue, you can go to a DPS office to renew. Bring proof that you have completed whatever requirement led to the suspension, such as a receipt showing payment or a certificate of completion from a course.
Renewing with a name or address change
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and a valid form of identification. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but you will need to provide the additional documentation.
If you have moved and need to change your address, you also must renew in person. You will need your current license, proof of your new address (dated within the last 90 days), and a valid form of identification. You cannot change your address online during renewal, but you can update your address at any time by visiting a DPS office or using the address change form on the DPS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. The DPS treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, so the process may take longer.
How much does a Texas driver's license renewal cost?
A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person.
What if I need my new license before 7 to 10 business days?
Standard renewal by any method takes 7 to 10 business days. The Texas DPS does not offer expedited mail renewal. If you need a license when ready, you can visit a DPS office and ask about a temporary license or driving permit, though availability varies by location.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Texas driver's license?
No, a standard driver's license renewal does not require Real ID. However, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport. Real ID licenses cost more and have a gold star in the top right corner.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Texas DPS when ready to report the loss. You can request a replacement by visiting a DPS office or by mail. In the meantime, you can ask the DPS for a temporary driving permit to use while you wait for your replacement license.