Texas Driver License Renewal Locations and Methods

You can renew your Texas driver license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, online through the DPS website, or by mail. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you meet the requirements for remote renewal. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but in-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record.

Texas has 124 DPS driver license offices statewide. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices in major cities now offer optional appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Walk-in service is available during posted business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours at select locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is current and you do not need a new photo, and it takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your renewed license by mail.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to update your photo, or you have medical restrictions that require a new evaluation.
  • Mail renewal is available for certain drivers but takes 4 to 6 weeks; you must request a mail renewal form from the DPS or renew online first and then request a paper copy.
  • DPS offices are located in every Texas county, and you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website.
  • You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or immigration status for any renewal method.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the most common method for Texas drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired less than two years. You start at the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and select the driver license renewal option. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your renewed license will show the same photo as your current license. If you need a new photo or want to update your address beyond what you can change online, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The fee for online renewal is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license, paid by credit or debit card at the time of submission.

After you submit your online renewal, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an additional $15 for expedited mail delivery, which typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Driver License Office

Visit a DPS office in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, you are changing your name, you have medical restrictions that need updating, or you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL). Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number or immigration status.

DPS offices do not require appointments at most locations, but you can schedule one online at dps.texas.gov to reduce wait time. Walk-in hours vary by location but are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio offer Saturday hours. Check the DPS office locator on the website to find your nearest location, current hours, and estimated wait times.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. The DPS will take a new photo, verify your documents, and process your renewal on the spot. You can receive your renewed license when ready as a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed, or you can wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license, plus $5 if you want the temporary paper license printed when ready.

Mail Renewal for may be able to access Drivers

Mail renewal is available only if your license is current and you do not need a new photo or address change. To renew by mail, you must first request a mail renewal form from the DPS. You can order the form online at dps.texas.gov, by phone at 1-888-589-6789, or in person at any DPS office. The form arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days.

Once you receive the form, complete it and mail it back to the DPS with a check or money order for $25 (four-year license) or $50 (six-year license), along with proof of residency. Do not send cash. Mail your completed form to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your form, and your renewed license arrives by mail after that.

Mail renewal is the slowest option and is best used only if you have several months before your license expires and do not need it urgently. If your license is already expired, you cannot use mail renewal and must renew online or in person.

Finding Your Nearest DPS Driver License Office

Texas has 124 DPS driver license offices spread across all 254 counties. The DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov allows you to search by city, county, or ZIP code. The locator shows office address, phone number, hours of operation, and current wait time estimates updated throughout the day.

Major cities have multiple offices. Dallas has 8 locations, Houston has 6, Austin has 4, and San Antonio has 3. Smaller towns typically have one office serving the county. If you live in a rural area far from the nearest office, you may want to renew online or by mail to avoid the drive. Some DPS offices also partner with local tax assessor-collector offices, which can handle certain renewal transactions; check the DPS website to see if your county offers this option.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in major cities often have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Rural offices typically have shorter waits. If you schedule an appointment online, you can usually reduce your wait time significantly.

Documents You Need for Any Renewal Method

For online renewal, you need your current or expired license and your Social Security number or immigration status information. For in-person or mail renewal, bring the following: your current or expired Texas driver license; one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days); and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form) or immigration status (passport, visa, or employment authorization document).

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing a commercial driver license, you must renew in person and bring your current CDL, medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875), and any required endorsement documents.

Do not bring original documents unless required. The DPS will make copies of what you need. If you are missing any required document, the DPS will tell you what to bring before processing your renewal.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Texas driver license renewal fees are $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license. These are the standard fees for all renewal methods. If you renew in person and want a temporary paper license printed when ready, add $5 to the total. If you renew online and want expedited mail delivery, add $15.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order; do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing a commercial driver license, the fee is higher; check the DPS website for current CDL renewal rates.

Renewal fees do not include any additional services such as address changes, name changes, or medical restriction updates. If you need these services, they may be included in the renewal fee or charged separately depending on the method you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or immigration status. The DPS will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

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

Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. If you pay an extra $15 for expedited delivery, your license typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one online at dps.texas.gov to reduce wait time. Walk-in service is available during posted office hours. Most offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at select locations in major cities.

What if I need to change my address when I renew my license?

Online renewal allows you to update your address as part of the process. If you renew in person, you can update your address at the DPS office. Mail renewal does not allow address changes; if you need to change your address, renew online or in person instead.

Can I renew my Texas driver license by mail if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail if you live out of state and your license is current. Request a mail renewal form from the DPS online or by phone, complete it with proof of residency and payment, and mail it back. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can also renew online if your license is current.