How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through DPS

Texas DPS Renewal: The Basic Process

To renew your Texas driver's license, you submit an process to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Most people renew online through the DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than going in person. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can walk out with it the same day if you renew at an office.

You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not had it suspended or revoked, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online through the DPS website if your license is still valid and you have not had a suspension, revocation, or name change.
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes, costs $16 or $32 depending on the term you choose, and you receive your license the same day.
You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or if you have changed your name since your last license was issued.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online or in-person options, taking 4 to 6 weeks for your new license to arrive.

Online Renewal Through the DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Renewal," and create an account or log in if you already have one. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose your license term: four years for $16 or eight years for $32.

After you submit your information and payment, DPS mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means DPS has flagged your record for one of the reasons listed above — expiration, suspension, revocation, or a name change. In that case, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You can walk into any DPS office in Texas and renew your license the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, also bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are usually less crowded early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can check the wait time at your nearest office on the DPS website before you go.

In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years — but you pay by cash, check, or card at the office. You walk out with a temporary paper license that day, and DPS mails your plastic license within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving and identification until your plastic license arrives.

Mail Renewal for Texas Residents

You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online or to an office, though this option is slower than the other two. read the DL-43 form from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $16 or $32. Include a copy of your current driver's license and proof of residency.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day DPS receives your process. Your old license remains valid during this time. DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive your new license within 6 weeks, contact DPS to check the status of your process.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and the road test again, even if you have been driving for decades. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it through any of the three methods above.

If your license expired between two and five years ago, DPS may require you to pass a vision test before renewing. You can do this at the DPS office when you renew in person, or you can have your eye doctor send the results to DPS before you renew online or by mail.

Renewing With a Name Change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document that proves your name change, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

DPS will issue you a new license with your new name on the same day. The cost is the same as any other renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Your old license with your former name is no longer valid once you receive the new one.

Renewing a Suspended or Revoked License

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the normal renewal process. You must first contact DPS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once your license is restored, you can renew it through any of the three methods. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, call DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or check your status on the DPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my Texas driver's license last?

You can choose a four-year or eight-year license when you renew. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer, so it may be a better value if you plan to keep your license for a long time. Both are equally valid for driving and identification.

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

No. You must be a Texas resident to renew a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Texas license to DPS by mail if you want to.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew a license you do not have. Instead, you must get a replacement license, which costs $11 and requires you to go to a DPS office in person. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it whenever you are ready.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

No appointment is required, but DPS offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go. Some offices offer online scheduling, which you can also check on the DPS website for your location.

What if DPS rejects my online renewal process?

DPS will tell you why you cannot renew online — usually because your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or you have a name change on file. Once you know the reason, you can renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license soon.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.