Renewing Your Texas Driver License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew online through the DPS website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you do not have to visit an office. If you cannot renew online, the mail and in-person routes both work, though in-person renewal is fastest if you need your new license quickly.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on which you choose. Texas sends your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website when ready after you renew online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest route and requires no office visit, but you must meet specific requirements including a valid Social Security number and a Texas address on file.
  • Your current license must not be expired by more than two years, and you cannot have certain medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person exam.
  • Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks total, while in-person renewal at a DPS office is complete the same day but requires an appointment booked through the DPS website.
  • You can print a temporary license when ready after online renewal so you can drive while waiting for your physical license to arrive by mail.
  • Renewal fees are $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, and you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online process.

Who Can Renew Online

Online renewal is open to you if your current Texas license is not expired or expired less than two years ago. You must have a valid Social Security number on file with Texas DPS, a current mailing address in Texas, and a valid email address. You also cannot have certain medical conditions or restrictions that require a doctor's exam — if your license has a medical restriction code, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online; you must renew by mail or in person and bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The same applies if your address is outside Texas or if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

How to Renew Online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Answer questions about your driving record, medical history, and whether your address and name are still correct. Review your information, choose your renewal length (four or eight years), and pay the fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you submit payment, the system will tell you whether your renewal was approved. If approved, you can print a temporary license when ready — this is a PDF you can show to police if you are stopped while driving. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the system asks you to visit an office or mail in documents, your renewal did not meet the online requirements and you will need to use one of the other methods.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read and print the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your process. You cannot print a temporary license for mail renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive during this time. If your process is missing information or documents, DPS will mail you a notice asking you to fix it, which adds more time. Mail your process early enough that it arrives well before your current license expires.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is the fastest option if you need your license the same day. You must book an appointment through the Texas DPS website — walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring payment by check, money order, or debit/credit card.

At your appointment, a DPS officer will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive your new license before you leave. If you fail the vision test or if the officer finds a problem with your documents, you may not be able to renew that day and will need to return with additional paperwork.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, and a driving test. The process is the same as a first-time license process. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above.

If you are driving with an expired license, you can be cited by police. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from this risk.

Renewal Fees and Payment

A four-year renewal costs $16. An eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for online, mail, or in-person renewal. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check for online renewal; by check or money order for mail renewal; or by check, money order, credit card, or debit card for in-person renewal. Some DPS offices may also accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

If you are over 85 years old, your renewal is free. If you are a veteran, you may be able to add a veteran designation to your license at no extra cost during renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?

No. You must have a Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you have moved out of state, you need to surrender your Texas license and explore for a license in your new state. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person if your address is no longer in Texas.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a license you do not have. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your number. A replacement license costs $11 and is issued the same day.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. You can print a temporary license when ready after approval and use it to drive while you wait for the permanent one.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

For online renewal, your existing photo is used unless you choose to upload a new one. For mail renewal, your existing photo is used. For in-person renewal, a new photo is always taken. If you want a new photo for online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if my renewal is denied?

If your online renewal is denied, the system will tell you why and direct you to mail in documents or visit an office. Common reasons include a medical restriction requiring an exam, a name change, or a problem with your driving record. Follow the instructions provided and contact your local DPS office if you have questions about what is needed.