You Cannot Renew a Texas Driver's License by Phone

Texas does not offer phone renewal for driver's licenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to renew in person at a driver's license office, by mail, or through their online portal. If you have heard that phone renewal is available, that information is incorrect — it does not exist as an official DPS option.

The confusion may arise because some states do allow phone renewal, and because Texas offers phone services for other DMV-related questions. However, the actual renewal transaction — the step where you submit your documents, pay the fee, and receive your new license — must happen through one of the three methods DPS actually provides.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's license renewal is available by mail, online through the DPS website, or in person at a driver's license office — but not by phone.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition change since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions.
  • In-person renewal at a driver's license office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if your personal information has changed.
  • You can call the DPS customer service line to ask questions about renewal, but you cannot complete the renewal itself over the phone.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

If your license is valid and you meet the requirements, renewing online through the DPS website is the quickest method. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, depending on your age and license type.

Online renewal is available only if you have not changed your name, address, or medical information since your last license was issued. You also cannot renew online if your license has already expired — it must still be valid. If you meet these conditions, you can complete the entire process on the DPS website in about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To start, visit the Texas DPS website, locate the driver's license renewal section, and follow the prompts to enter your information and pay the fee. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS.

Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online

If your license has expired, if you have changed your name or address, or if you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. You will need to complete the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any driver's license office.

Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The fee is the same as online renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. DPS will process your process within 7 to 10 business days of receiving it, then mail your new license to you. Total time is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date you mail the form.

If you have changed your name or address, include proof of the change with your process. For a name change, include a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, include a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your new address and your name. Without these documents, DPS may reject your process and return it to you.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name or address and prefer not to mail documents, or if you have a medical condition that affects your driving. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Visit any Texas driver's license office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment in most locations, but you can check the DPS website to see if your local office offers online scheduling. Bring your payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card — because not all offices accept all payment types.

The process takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your medical history and driving record, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. The process is the same as explore for a license for the first time.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person. You cannot renew an expired license online. If you are unsure how long your license has been expired, check the expiration date on your license or call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789.

Calling DPS for Questions, Not Renewal

The DPS customer service line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-888-589-6789. You can call to ask questions about renewal requirements, to confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online or by mail, to check the status of a renewal you have already submitted, or to find the nearest driver's license office.

You cannot complete your renewal over the phone, and you cannot pay your renewal fee over the phone. The phone line is for information only. If you need to renew your license, you must use one of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person — described above.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send cash by mail. DPS will not accept it, and you risk losing money. Send a check or money order instead, or renew online or in person with a debit or credit card.

Do not assume you can renew online if your address or name has changed. You cannot. You must renew by mail or in person if your personal information is different from what is on file.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early avoids the rush and ensures you have a valid license when you need it.

Do not forget to bring proof of residency if you renew in person. Without it, the office cannot process your renewal, and you will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license by phone?

No. Texas does not offer phone renewal. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. You can call DPS to ask questions about renewal, but you cannot complete the renewal itself over the phone.

How long does online renewal take?

The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process. Total time from start to receiving your license is usually 1 to 2 weeks.

What if I have changed my address since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If you renew in person, bring the same proof to the driver's license office.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Texas driver's license offices do not require an appointment for renewal. However, some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the DPS website to see if your local office has this option. Even without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times.

What if my license has been expired for more than two years?

You cannot renew an expired license that has been expired for more than two years. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving skills test. Contact your local driver's license office or call DPS for details on the new process process.