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 dps.texas.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS driver license office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Social Security number on file, and have no medical conditions that would disqualify you from driving. If you do not meet those requirements, you must renew in person.
Your license must not be expired by more than two years to renew it by mail or online. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to visit a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Texas does not offer online renewal for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or for people with certain medical conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dps.texas.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew by mail only if your license expired within the last two years, you are a U.S. citizen, and you have no medical restrictions on your driving record.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you hold a CDL, or you have medical conditions affecting your driving.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- Texas does not mail renewal notices, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date and renewing before or shortly after it passes.
Online renewal: fastest option if you meet the requirements
Online renewal is the quickest path if your license is not expired by more than two years and you are a U.S. citizen. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, and click "Renew Online." You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DPS records.
The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can still drive using your old license as long as it has not expired.
Online renewal does not work if you need to change your name, address, or medical restrictions, or if you have a CDL. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.
Mail renewal: option for licenses expired less than two years
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years, you are a U.S. citizen, and you have no medical conditions listed on your driving record. You cannot use mail renewal if you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
To renew by mail, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit dps.texas.gov to request a renewal form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year), and mail it to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and offers no advantage unless you cannot access the internet.
In-person renewal at a DPS driver license office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, you hold a CDL, you are not a U.S. citizen, or you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name, address, or organ donor status.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are renewing after a two-year expiration, you will take a new written test and vision test. The fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Visit dps.texas.gov and use the office locator to find the nearest driver license office and check wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time from hours to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer waits, especially in urban areas.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and retake both the written knowledge test and the vision test. You will also need to provide proof of residency and Social Security number.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. The fee remains $16 or $32 depending on the license term you choose.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any medical certification documents if your CDL requires them (such as a Department of Transportation medical certificate for interstate driving).
You will take a written test specific to the class of CDL you hold and a vision test. The fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If your medical certification has expired or is about to expire, you must have a new one completed by a certified medical examiner before you can renew your CDL.
Tracking your expiration date and planning ahead
Texas does not send renewal reminders by mail or email. You are responsible for knowing when your license expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Mark it on your calendar or set a phone reminder 30 days before the date.
If you renew online or by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive. If you need your license quickly, renew in person at a DPS office and you will receive it the same day. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation and fines, even if you have already submitted a renewal request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes, if you renewed online or by mail, you can drive using your old license until your new one arrives. If your old license has already expired, keep your confirmation number from your online renewal or your receipt from your mail renewal as proof that you have submitted a renewal request. However, a confirmation number is not a legal substitute for a license if you are stopped by police.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You cannot change your address online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). The DPS will update your address and issue your new license the same day.
How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?
A four-year license costs $16 and an eight-year license costs $32. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. No additional fees are charged for standard renewals, though expedited in-person service may have different pricing at some offices.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.
Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can renew in person at a DPS office if you are a lawful permanent resident or have valid work authorization. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your immigration documents (green card, work permit, or visa) to the DPS office.