What you need to do to renew in Texas
To renew your Texas driver's license, you will submit an process to 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, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update information like your address or name. Most renewals take between two and four weeks if you mail your process, or a few minutes if you renew online.
Texas allows you to renew up to two years before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Texas license online if it is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information in the past two years.
- If you renew by mail, send your completed process, current license, and required documents to the DPS address listed on the form; processing takes two to four weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is fastest if you need to update information, take a new photo, or have an expired license.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to two years before expiration.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you meet the requirements. You will go to the Texas DPS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal process. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is paid during the online process.
You are not may be able to access to renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you have changed your gender marker, or if you have not renewed online in the past two years. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
After you submit your online process, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to request an process form from the Texas DPS or read it from their website. The form is called the Driver License process (Form DL-43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and any required supporting documents to the DPS address shown on the form.
Mail renewal works whether your license is still valid or has expired. If you are changing your address, name, or other information, include documentation that proves the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill showing your new address. Without the correct supporting documents, the DPS will return your process and delay your renewal.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically two to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Mail your process well before your license expires so there is time for processing and delivery. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
You can renew your license in person at any Texas DPS office. This is the best option if your license has expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your name or address and want to avoid delays. You will bring your current license (or expired license), proof of residency, and any documents needed to support a name or address change.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other document showing your current address. If you are changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Documents and fees you will need
For any renewal method, you will need your current Texas driver's license or a valid form of identification if your license has expired. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $25 for a six-year license (the standard renewal period in Texas). Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals accept debit or credit cards, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you are changing your name or address, bring supporting documents. For a name change, this means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your new address. The DPS will not process your renewal without these documents if you are making changes.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you will need to request a replacement instead. Contact the DPS for instructions on how to replace a lost or stolen license.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After the DPS receives and approves your renewal process, they will mail your new license to the address on your process. This takes two to four weeks depending on mail delivery time. Your current license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date has passed.
If the DPS needs more information or documents from you, they will mail you a notice. Check your mail regularly during the processing period. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks of submitting your process, contact the DPS to check the status.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half. You do not need to return it to the DPS.
Renewing an expired Texas license
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. You will need your expired license, the completed process form, and any supporting documents for name or address changes. The renewal fee is the same: $25 for a six-year license.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. You will need to explore for a new license instead, which involves taking a written test and a driving test. Contact the Texas DPS or visit a local DPS office to find out what steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Texas but moved to a new address within the state, you can renew and update your address at the same time by mail or in person.
What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for driving. If you renewed by mail or online, you cannot get a temporary license. Plan ahead and renew at least four weeks before your current license expires to allow time for processing and delivery.
Do I have to renew my license in person if I changed my name?
No. You can renew by mail if you include the legal document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). In-person renewal is faster if you want your new license the same day, but mail renewal works if you have time to wait.
What if the DPS rejects my renewal process?
The DPS will mail you a notice explaining why your process was rejected — usually because required documents were missing or incomplete. Follow the instructions in the notice to resubmit your process with the correct documents. There is no additional fee to resubmit.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. Texas allows you to renew up to two years before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to update your photo or information before your current license expires.