Renewing Your Texas Driver License: The Basic Process
Texas driver licenses are renewed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the method you use depends on how far in advance you renew and whether you need to change information on your license. Most renewals can be completed online or by mail without visiting a DPS office, but some situations require an in-person appointment. Your license is valid for six years from the date of issue, and Texas allows you to renew up to one year before expiration.
The fastest route is online renewal through the DPS website if you meet the may be able to access requirements. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary only if you need to update your photo, address, or other personal information, or if you do not meet the online renewal requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed DL-43 form, and the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- You must renew in person at a DPS office if you need a new photo, are changing your address, have a commercial license, or do not meet online renewal requirements.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a standard six-year license, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person depending on your renewal method.
- Texas does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal, but in-person renewal includes a vision screening at the office.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Online renewal is available at txdps.texas.gov under the "Driver License" section. To renew online, you need an active, non-expired Texas driver license, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the $33 renewal fee. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have renewed online within the past two years, or if you need to change your address or photo.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The DPS will then confirm your current address on file. If your address is correct, you can proceed to payment. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement. You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions on file or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal is an option if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal or prefer not to use the internet. You will need to complete the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License), which is available on the DPS website or at any DPS office. Print the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver license and a check or money order for $33 to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewal is 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. Do not send cash through the mail; use a check or money order only. Keep a copy of your completed form and the tracking number from your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.
Mail renewal does not include a vision test, and you cannot change your photo or address through the mail. If you need to update your address, you can do so online through the DPS website separately, or you can renew in person at a DPS office.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
You must renew in person if you need a new photo, are changing your address, hold a commercial license, or do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. To renew in person, you will need to schedule an appointment through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6884. Walk-in renewals are not may provide and may result in long wait times, so scheduling ahead is strongly recommended.
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The vision test is administered at the office and takes a few minutes. The renewal fee is $33, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use for driving until your new license arrives. In-person appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on office volume.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The documents required depend on your renewal method. For online renewal, you need only your driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number (last four digits). For mail renewal, you need your current license, the completed DL-43 form, and payment. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
The renewal fee is $33 for a standard six-year license. This fee is the same regardless of your renewal method. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to renew in person and may face additional requirements. Texas does not charge extra for address changes or photo updates during renewal.
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver license number, DOB, last 4 SSN digits | $33 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, DL-43 form, payment | $33 | 4–6 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of residency, SSN card | $33 | 7–10 business days |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting online renewal when you are not may be able to access. If your license has expired, you cannot renew online; you must use mail or in-person renewal. If you have renewed online within the past two years, you are locked out of online renewal for that period. Check your renewal may be able to access on the DPS website before starting the online process to avoid wasting time.
Another frequent error is sending cash through the mail for a mail renewal. The DPS will not process your process if you include cash, and your envelope may be lost or stolen. Use a check or money order instead, and keep your receipt. If you are renewing in person, bring the correct proof of residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the past 90 days works; a credit card statement or bank statement does not.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Texas allows renewal up to one year in advance, and renewing early prevents the risk of driving on an expired license. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will likely need to renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test.
What Happens After You Renew
After you submit your renewal process—whether online, by mail, or in person—the DPS will process it and mail your new license to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that serves as a valid driving document until your new license is mailed to you.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, you can check the status of your renewal on the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6884. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; do not destroy it until you have the replacement in hand. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid for driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you will likely need to renew in person at a DPS office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, in addition to the standard renewal process. Contact the DPS or visit a local office to confirm what is required for your situation.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If you are renewing online, your current address on file will be displayed for confirmation. If it is correct, you can proceed. If it is incorrect, you cannot change it online; you must renew in person or by mail and provide your new address on the process. You can also update your address separately through the DPS website without renewing your license.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. In-person renewal includes a new photo taken at the office.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving when ready.
Can I renew my commercial driver license online?
No. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and licenses with motorcycle or hazmat endorsements must be renewed in person at a DPS office. Schedule an appointment through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6884.