What Form You Need and Where to Get It

To renew your Texas driver's license, you will use Form DL-43, the official process for Texas Driver's License. This is the only form the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts for standard renewals. You can get it three ways: read it from the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, pick up a printed copy at any Texas DPS office, or complete it in person at the office when you arrive.

The form itself is short — one page, front and back — and asks for your current license number, name, address, phone number, and whether any of your personal information has changed since your last license. You do not need to fill it out before you go; many people complete it at the DPS office while they wait. However, filling it out at home saves time, especially during busy hours.

If you are renewing by mail (available only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions), you will receive Form DL-43 in the renewal notice the state mails to you about 90 days before your expiration date. Do not throw away that notice — it contains your renewal instructions and the form you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-43 is the only form required for a standard Texas driver's license renewal, and you can read it, pick it up at a DPS office, or fill it out there.
  • If you renew by mail, the form arrives in your renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires.
  • You must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an acceptable alternative document to complete the renewal.
  • In-person renewals at a DPS office take about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is, and you can check wait times online before you go.
  • If your license is expired by more than two years or you have certain medical conditions, you may not be able to renew by mail and will need to go in person.

Documents to Bring When You Renew in Person

Bring your current Texas driver's license — this is your primary identification and the DPS needs to see it. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a different form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.

You will also need proof of residency. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or government mail with your name and current address also works. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy alone is not enough.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is acceptable, but so is a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one, or a valid visa or passport showing you are not a U.S. citizen.

Renewing by Mail Versus In Person

Texas allows mail renewal only under specific conditions. Your current license must not be expired, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, you must not have any medical restrictions on your license, and you must not have had any license suspensions or revocations in the past five years. If all of those explore to you, you can renew by mail using the form that arrives in your renewal notice.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your completed form and payment. You will mail the form, a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license), and a copy of your proof of residency to the address shown on your renewal notice. Do not send original documents; send copies only.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is faster. You can walk in during business hours, complete the form on site if you have not already, show your documents, pay the fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, and have your new license photo taken. Most offices have you out the door in 15 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go.

When You Cannot Use Form DL-43

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license using a different form and process. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review before renewal.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can still use Form DL-43, but you must bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process the renewal without it.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot use Form DL-43. CDL renewals require a different form and process, including a medical examination and knowledge test in some cases. Contact your local DPS office or visit dps.texas.gov for CDL-specific instructions.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $33. An eight-year renewal costs $66. These are the only two options available; you choose the term length when you renew. If you are 85 or older, renewal is free, but you must renew in person.

At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DPS does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. Make the check payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety" and include it with your form and proof of residency.

Finding Your Nearest DPS Office and Checking Wait Times

The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices in every county. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search by city or zip code, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Many DPS offices now display current wait times online. Before you go, check the website or call the office directly to see how long the wait is. Early morning and mid-week visits are typically less crowded than afternoons and Fridays. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time — check your local office's page to see if this option is available.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and doing so early avoids the rush and the risk of driving on an expired license. The DPS mails a renewal notice about 90 days before expiration, so use that as your reminder.

Do not bring photocopies of your proof of residency if you are renewing in person. The DPS requires the original document or a certified copy. Photocopies are acceptable only if you are renewing by mail.

Do not assume your address is current in the DPS system. If you have moved, update your address before you renew, or bring proof of your new address with you. If your address in the system does not match your proof of residency, the renewal will be delayed.

Do not send original documents by mail. If you are renewing by mail, send copies only. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and the DPS will not return them to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?

No. Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either by mail (if you meet the conditions) or in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew by phone or through any third-party website.

What if I lost my current license and do not have a replacement yet?

Bring a different form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. The DPS will accept any government-issued photo ID. You can also bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card if you do not have another photo ID.

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

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Your new license usually arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks.

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

Yes, if you renew in person. The DPS takes a new photo at the office as part of the renewal. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license unless you request a new photo, which requires an in-person visit.

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

You can still use Form DL-43. If your name changed, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your address changed, bring proof of your new address. The DPS will update both on your new license.