What form you need and where to get it

To renew your Texas driver license, you will use Form DL-44, the official process for Texas Driver License. You can get this form in three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website, pick up a printed copy at any Texas Driver License office, or fill it out on a computer at the office when you arrive.

The form is the same whether you are renewing in person or by mail, though not all renewal types allow mail submission. Texas lets you renew by mail only if you meet specific conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have changed your name or address since your last license was issued. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.

You can also renew online through the Texas DPS website if you are may be able to access, which skips the paper form entirely. Online renewal is available if your license expires within 60 days, you have no medical conditions listed on your current license, and you have not changed your name or address. The online path is faster and requires no form at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the official Texas renewal form, available free online, at any Driver License office, or on a computer at the office itself.
  • Mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license expires within 60 days and you have no medical conditions on your current license.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if you are ineligible for mail or online renewal, or if you need to update your name, address, or medical information.
  • You will need your current Texas driver license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you renew, whether by mail, online, or in person.

How to fill out Form DL-44 step by step

The form has two sides and takes about five minutes to complete. Start with the top section: print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your current license, then your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY. If your name has changed since your last license, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go to a Driver License office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In the middle section, enter your current address. If you have moved, this is where you report it. Below that, mark whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving — vision problems, hearing loss, or physical limitations. If you check yes to any medical condition, you must renew in person; mail renewal is not available. The form will ask you to describe the condition and list any restrictions or devices you use (glasses, hearing aid, hand controls).

At the bottom of the form, you will see checkboxes for license type and endorsements. Most people renewing a standard Class C license will leave these blank. If you hold a commercial license (Class A, B, or C with air brake restrictions) or have endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat, mark the appropriate boxes. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided — your signature must match the one on your current license.

Documents you must bring or send with your form

Texas requires three categories of documents when you renew: your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail, you will mail copies of these documents along with your completed Form DL-44. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals or certified copies.

Your current Texas driver license serves as your identity document. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail — you must appear in person and bring a different form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card).

For proof of residency, Texas accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and do not have a document yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency can work, though it is slower.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one other document that shows your name and date of birth. If you are renewing by mail and do not have these documents, you will have to renew in person instead.

Mailing your renewal or submitting it in person

If you are renewing by mail, mail your completed Form DL-44 along with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form itself — it varies by region. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount depends on whether you want a standard or Real ID license). Do not send cash. Mail your packet at least two weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing.

The Texas DPS processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive your new license by mail at the address you listed on the form. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Texas DPS website to carry while you wait.

If you are renewing in person, bring your completed Form DL-44 and your original documents to any Texas Driver License office. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will pay the renewal fee at the office (cash, check, or card accepted). Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office and whether you requested a standard or Real ID license.

Real ID versus standard license on your renewal form

When you renew, you will choose between a standard Texas driver license and a Real ID-compliant license. This choice appears on Form DL-44 as a checkbox. The Real ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings; a standard license does not.

If you want a Real ID license, you must bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport (to prove citizenship or lawful presence), plus one document showing your name and address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If you do not bring these documents, you will receive a standard license instead. Real ID licenses cost slightly more than standard licenses — the fee difference varies but is usually a few dollars.

If your current license is already Real ID-compliant, your new license will be Real ID by default unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead. Check your current license for a small star in the upper right corner — that indicates Real ID compliance.

What to do if your form is rejected or incomplete

If you are renewing by mail and your form is incomplete or your documents are missing, the Texas DPS will mail your packet back to you with a letter explaining what is wrong. This adds two to four weeks to your renewal time. To avoid rejection, double-check that you have signed and dated the form, that all required fields are filled in, and that you have included copies of all three document categories.

If you are renewing in person and something is missing, the office staff will tell you on the spot what you need to bring back. You can return to the same office or any other Texas Driver License office with the missing documents and complete your renewal the same day.

If your form is damaged or you make a mistake while filling it out, do not cross out or use white-out. Print a new copy or ask for a fresh form at the Driver License office. The form must be legible and clean for processing.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal is the fastest: you can complete it in minutes and your new license ships within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the date the Texas DPS receives your packet, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person renewal at an office can be completed the same day, though you may wait one to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

After you submit your form, the Texas DPS will verify your information against state and federal databases. They check your driving record, criminal history, and immigration status. If everything clears, your license is printed and mailed or issued to you. If there is a problem — for example, an outstanding warrant or a suspended license — the DPS will contact you by mail or phone.

Your new license is valid for six years from the date it is issued (eight years if you are over 85). You can check the status of your renewal online through the Texas DPS website if you submitted by mail or online; enter your driver license number and date of birth to see whether your new license has been mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No, mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be required to pass a written test and vision test as well.

What if I lost my current Texas driver license?

You cannot renew by mail if your license is lost or stolen. You must go to a Driver License office in person and bring a different form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). You will fill out Form DL-44 at the office and pay both a replacement fee for the lost license and the renewal fee.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you are renewing by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you are renewing in person at a Driver License office, the office will take a new photo. You cannot bring your own photo or use an old one.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver license?

The renewal fee varies depending on whether you want a standard or Real ID license and how many years you are renewing for. Standard licenses are cheaper than Real ID licenses. Check the Texas DPS website or call your local Driver License office for the current fee, as prices change periodically.

What if my name or address changed since my last license?

If your name changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If only your address changed, you can renew by mail or online — just enter your new address on Form DL-44. If both changed, you must renew in person.