What you need to renew your Texas driver license
To renew your Texas driver license, you will submit an process through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license.
Texas offers three renewal paths: online renewal (fastest, if you meet the requirements), mail renewal (takes longer but requires no office visit), and in-person renewal (required if your license has expired more than two years or if you need a new photo). Each path has different document requirements and costs.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires a completed DL-44 form, proof of residency, and a check or money order; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- You must bring your current Texas driver license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
- Texas driver licenses are valid for 8 years for most adults, so plan your renewal before the expiration date on your card to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest and cheapest method if your license has not expired and you do not need a new photo. You will answer questions about your current information, confirm your address, and pay the $25 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information since your last renewal.
To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website, select "Online Services," and follow the prompts to enter your driver license number and date of birth. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Mail renewal: no office visit required
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no trip to a DPS office. You will complete a DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License), include proof of residency, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process.
Mail renewal costs $25 and is available if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by mail. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
Mail your process to the address listed on the DL-44 form. Do not mail it to a DPS office; the form will direct you to the correct mailing address. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL). You will visit a DPS office, complete an process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee on the spot.
Bring your current Texas driver license (or expired license if your current one is lost), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency is a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
Visit the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and check wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. In-person renewal costs $25 for a standard license and takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Documents and fees for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current valid license, internet access | $25 | 7–10 business days |
| DL-44 form, proof of residency, check or money order | $25 | 4–6 weeks | |
| In-person | Current or expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number | $25 | 7–10 business days for mailed license |
What happens if your license has expired
If your Texas driver license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and will need to pass a vision test and written exam on traffic laws.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation email or receipt), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.
Name or address changes during renewal
If you are changing your name or address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or new address (proof of residency), and proof of your Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee remains $25.
If you have changed your name but are renewing online or by mail, you will not be able to complete the transaction. You will need to visit a DPS office instead. Plan ahead if you know a name change is coming so you can schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license before the expiration date?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it will still be valid for 8 years from the date of renewal. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. You will pay $25 for the renewal and $11 for a replacement license, for a total of $36. You can also report the lost license to DPS at the same time.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore in person?
Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after your in-person appointment. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need the license sooner, ask the DPS office whether expedited mail service is available.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my Texas driver license?
A new photo is not required for online or mail renewal if your current license is still valid. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. If your license expired more than two years ago, a new photo is required and you must renew in person.
What if my address changed but I have not updated my license yet?
You can update your address during renewal. If you are renewing online or by mail, you can enter your new address in the process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Updating your address does not cost extra.