Texas driver's license renewal: the basic process

In Texas, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew online through the Texas DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test unless your license has been expired for more than two years, you have a medical condition that affects driving, or you are over 85 years old.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for online renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — just go to the Texas DPS website and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. Texas sends your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
  • You can renew by mail or in person at a DPS office if you prefer not to renew online, though both take longer than the online route.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to visit a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test.
  • Texas sends renewed licenses by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification.
  • You must have a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online, and your address on file must be current.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The system checks your driving record and address automatically — if everything is current, you can complete the renewal in one sitting.

After you submit your payment, the Texas DPS processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process. Your temporary paper license is not mailed — you will drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you cannot or do not want to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice itself. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online renewal because the DPS must receive your envelope, process it, and mail your license back to you.

You can also renew in person at any Texas DPS office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and payment. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. In that case, you must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You may also need to retake the written test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.

You must also renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, from a regular license to a commercial license), if you have a medical condition that requires a DPS review, or if you are over 85 years old. Drivers over 85 must renew every two years instead of every four or eight years, and they must do so in person.

What documents and information you need

For online renewal, you need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. That is all. The Texas DPS verifies your identity through the information already on file.

For mail or in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If you are renewing in person and your license has been expired for more than two years, also bring proof of your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Renewal fees and how long it takes

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16 to renew. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the standard fees for most drivers. Drivers over 60 pay a reduced fee of $8 for a four-year license or $16 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card or credit card online, or by check or money order by mail. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Online renewal is the fastest: your license is approved and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks longer because of postal delays. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license when ready for travel or identification, renewing in person is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or on time.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). The DPS will print your new address on your renewed license.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you are over 85 years old. For standard renewals, the DPS uses your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. Go to dps.texas.gov, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and you can renew online. If you prefer to renew by mail or in person, you can do that without the notice — just bring your current license and proof of residency.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you choose when you renew. Drivers over 85 must renew every two years. Your new expiration date will be printed on your renewed license.