How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Through DPS

How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Online renewal is the fastest and costs nothing to file, but it is not available to everyone — you must have a Real ID compliant license, no address changes, and no medical restrictions to add or remove.

If you cannot renew online, mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few hours but gives you your new license the same day. Your current license must not be expired by more than two years for any renewal method to work.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DPS website is free to file and takes minutes, but only works if your license is Real ID compliant, you have no address changes, and no medical conditions to update.
Mail renewal costs $16 or $32 depending on license length and takes two to three weeks; you send your current license and a check to the DPS address they provide.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a Real ID document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of current address, and you walk out with your new license the same day.
Your license must not be expired by more than two years to renew it; if it is older than that, you must explore for a new license instead.
DPS offices do not take appointments for standard renewals, so expect a wait during peak hours (mornings and early afternoons on weekdays).

Online Renewal Through the DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License" under the driver license section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current information.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is Real ID compliant (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), you have not moved since your last renewal, you have no medical restrictions to add or remove, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If any of these do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Once you complete the online form and pay the fee using a credit or debit card, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery takes about seven to ten business days. You do not need to send anything by mail or visit an office.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

To renew by mail, you need your current driver's license, a check or money order made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety," and the renewal form DPS-43. You can read the form from dps.texas.gov or call the DPS customer service line at 1-844-DPS-5555 to request it by mail.

The fee is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail your documents to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form before you send anything. Include a note with your current phone number and email address so DPS can contact you if there is a problem with your process.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license. If you move before your new license arrives, you must update your address with DPS before the license is mailed, or it will go to your old address.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

Walk into any DPS driver license office during business hours with your current license, a Real ID document, and proof of your current address. Real ID documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

DPS offices do not take appointments for standard renewals. Arrive early if you can — mornings and early afternoons on weekdays tend to be busier. You will take a number, wait your turn, and a clerk will process your renewal at the window. The fee is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card.

You will have your new license in hand the same day. If you need a new photo, the office will take one during your visit at no extra charge. If you do not want a new photo and your current one is acceptable, you can ask to keep the old photo — DPS will honor that request.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Expiring Soon

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than two years ago, DPS treats it as a new process, not a renewal. You will need to take a written test, a driving test, and a vision test, and you must visit a DPS office in person.

If your license is expiring within 30 days and you want to renew online, do it now — online processing takes seven to ten days, and you do not want your license to expire while you are waiting. If you are cutting it close, in-person renewal is the safest choice because you leave with your new license the same day.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means for Renewal

A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal security standards. As of May 2025, you need a Real ID compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the star, you can add Real ID compliance during renewal.

To upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must do it in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, a Real ID document (passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID), and proof of current address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal — $16 or $32 depending on license length. If you renew by mail or online, you keep your current license type; you cannot upgrade to Real ID through those methods.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is trying to renew online when your license is not Real ID compliant or when you have an address change. The online system will reject your process, and you will have wasted time. Check your license for the gold star before you start, and if you have moved, go to a DPS office or use mail renewal instead.

Another mistake is sending your payment to the wrong address. DPS has multiple regional offices, and each has its own mailing address for renewals. The renewal form lists the correct address for your region — use that address, not a general DPS address. If you mail your check to the wrong place, it will be delayed or returned.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. DPS can renew a license up to two years after expiration, but a license that is expired is not valid for driving or identification. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to give yourself a buffer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or restriction?

If you are adding a new medical restriction or removing an existing one, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person so a clerk can update your record and, if needed, have you take a vision or medical evaluation. Bring documentation from your doctor if you are adding a restriction.

What if I moved since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Use mail renewal or in-person renewal instead. At a DPS office, bring your current license, a Real ID document, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). Mail renewal requires the same documents.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Online renewal takes seven to ten business days for DPS to mail your new license to you. It does not include processing time at the post office, so add a few more days. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a DPS office and you will have it the same day.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

At a DPS office, a new photo is taken during renewal unless you ask to keep your old one. If you renew by mail or online, your old photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you will have to renew in person instead.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

DPS will contact you by phone or mail if there is a problem with your process. Common reasons for rejection are a mismatch in your Social Security number, an address that does not match DPS records, or a medical restriction that needs updating. Call 1-844-DPS-5555 to find out why your process was rejected and what to do next.

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.