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.
You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change since your last license, you do not need to update your address, and your license has not been expired for more than two years. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can only renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name, your address is current, and your license expired less than two years ago.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes, costs the same as online renewal, and you can get a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are 79 years old or older, and you must include your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
- You will need to pass a vision test if you renew in person, but not if you renew online or by mail.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License Online Renewal." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and personal information. You then choose your license term (two years or five years) and pay by debit or credit card.
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option. A two-year license costs $16, and a five-year license costs $32. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or pass a vision test. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid.
If the system cannot verify your identity online, you will be told when ready and directed to renew in person instead. This sometimes happens if your information does not match DPS records exactly or if your license has been inactive for a long time.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visit any DPS driver license office in Texas with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your license does not display it. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The office will take a new photo, conduct a vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal: $16 for two years or $32 for five years. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can check hours and find your nearest office at dps.texas.gov.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have walk-in service; others require an appointment. Check the DPS website or call ahead to see whether your local office takes appointments and whether you should expect a wait.
Renewing by mail if you are 79 or older
If you are 79 years old or older, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office in person. Complete the process, include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order for $16 (two years) or $32 (five years) to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. Your process must arrive at DPS, be processed, and your new license must be mailed back to you. The entire process typically takes three to four weeks. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.
You cannot renew by mail if you have changed your name, need to update your address, or have a suspended license. In those cases, you must renew in person.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license while your permanent license is mailed.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, DPS may require additional documents to verify your identity. Call 1-888-589-6789 before you visit an office to ask what you should bring.
Renewing a license that is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS. Suspensions are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many traffic violations.
Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew online, by mail (if you are 79 or older), or in person. You may be required to pay reinstatement fees in addition to renewal fees.
Choosing between a two-year and five-year license
Texas offers two-year licenses for $16 and five-year licenses for $32. A five-year license costs twice as much upfront but saves you money over time because you renew less often. If you plan to stay in Texas for at least five years and your personal information is unlikely to change, a five-year license is usually the better choice. If you expect to move, change your name, or update your address within the next two years, a two-year license may be more practical.
You can choose your license term when you renew online or in person. If you renew by mail, the form will ask you which term you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use for driving. Keep the temporary license with you while driving.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.
How do I renew if I have changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not accept photocopies. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if the online system says I cannot renew online?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online, such as a suspended license, expired license older than two years, or a name change. Follow the instructions on the screen to renew in person or by mail instead. If you are unsure, call DPS at 1-888-589-6789.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
Some DPS offices require appointments; others accept walk-ins. Check the DPS website or call your local office before you visit. Offices that take appointments often have shorter wait times, so making one ahead of time is usually worth the effort.