What You Need to Renew in Texas

Texas driver's licenses expire every 8 years for most adults, or every 5 years if you're between 18 and 84 and choose a standard license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has any restrictions or changes since it was issued.

If your license is not expired yet, you can renew up to one year before the expiration date shown on the front. This gives you flexibility to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical or legal holds on your record.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired, you need to change your address or name, or you have certain medical conditions listed on your license.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • You will need your current Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • If you renew by mail, you must send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest and cheapest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You do not need to leave home, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is lower than in-person renewal because the state saves money on office overhead.

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your current license number and Social Security number. You will answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether anything has changed since your last renewal. You pay by debit or credit card at the end. Texas DPS will mail your new license to the address on file unless you request a change during the renewal process.

You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have an active address change you have not yet confirmed, if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, or if there is a legal hold on your record (such as a child support obligation or unpaid traffic fine). In those cases, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Texas DPS driver's license office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment. If your name or address has changed since your last renewal, bring documents that prove the change, such as a marriage certificate or a deed.

DPS offices are open during business hours, usually Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning or mid-week visits are often shorter. You can check the wait time at your local office on the Texas DPS website before you go.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can use it when ready for identification. You will also receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you as a backup.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal. You must complete a DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver's License), include your current license, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order; credit and debit cards are not accepted by mail.

Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form. Because mail can be delayed or lost, this method is slower than online renewal and carries more risk. Most people choose online renewal instead.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for less than 2 years, you can renew it without retaking the written or driving test. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will need to retake the written test and the driving test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time. You will also need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal. You can schedule a test appointment on the Texas DPS website.

Fees and Payment Methods

The cost of renewing a Texas driver's license depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard 8-year license costs less than a 5-year license. Online and mail renewal cost less than in-person renewal because you are not using a DPS office. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Texas DPS website for current pricing before you renew.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit, and check. Mail renewal accepts check and money order only. If you are renewing in person and your license is expired, you may pay an additional late fee depending on how long it has been expired.

Address Changes and Name Changes

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you can update it during online renewal without visiting an office. straightforward enter your new address when prompted. Your new license will be mailed to that address.

If your name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. DPS will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it is already expired?

Yes, but only in person at a DPS office if it has been expired for less than 2 years. If it has been expired for more than 2 years, you must retake the written and driving tests. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and use for identification during that time. Do not rely on the paper license for travel; use your old license if you need to fly or cross state lines.

What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can print the temporary license from your email. For travel, contact the airline or border agency to ask if they accept the temporary license; most do not, so plan ahead.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the DPS office. You cannot bring your own photo.

What if my address is different from what is on my current license?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the process form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.