What Form DL 43 Is and When You Need It

Form DL 43 is the official Texas Department of Public Safety renewal process. You use it when your driver's license is expiring and you want to renew by mail or in person at a DPS office. The form tells the state your current address, confirms your legal name, and lets you update information like height or corrective lens requirements.

You need Form DL 43 if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use this form — you will have to explore for a new license instead, which requires a different process and in-person appearance at a DPS office.

The form itself is free. You can get it from the Texas DPS website, pick one up at any DPS office, or request one by mail. Some county tax assessor-collector offices also stock copies, since they handle some renewal transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 43 is for renewing a license that is still valid or expired within the last two years; licenses expired longer than that require a new process instead.
  • You can renew by mail using Form DL 43 if you meet Texas residency and vision requirements, but mail renewal is not available to everyone.
  • The form asks for your current address, legal name, and any changes to physical characteristics or medical conditions that affect driving.
  • Processing time is typically four to six weeks by mail; in-person renewal at a DPS office is usually faster but requires an appointment.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Texas residency, and payment; the fee varies depending on license type and validity period.

Who Can Renew by Mail Using Form DL 43

Not every driver can renew by mail in Texas. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your current license is valid or expired less than two years ago, you have no medical conditions that require DPS review, and you have not had any license suspensions or restrictions added since your last renewal.

You cannot use mail renewal if you need to change your name, add or remove a Real ID designation, update your sex or gender marker, or if you have a medical condition that DPS needs to evaluate. You also cannot renew by mail if your vision has changed significantly or if you have received a traffic conviction or suspension since your last license was issued.

If you are unsure whether you may have access to for mail renewal, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or check the DPS website. They can tell you in a few minutes whether your record allows it.

How to Complete and Submit Form DL 43

Print Form DL 43 from the Texas DPS website or use a paper copy you picked up in person. Fill it out in black or blue ink — do not use pencil. Print clearly and use your legal name as it appears on your current license. If your name has changed since your last renewal, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead of using the mail form.

Include your current driver's license number, date of birth, and current address. If you have moved since your last renewal, provide your new Texas address. Do not submit Form DL 43 if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) — CDLs have a separate renewal process that always requires in-person testing and a medical certificate.

Mail the completed form along with your current license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order — do not send cash. The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you want it valid (typically four or six years), and ranges from roughly $25 to $65.

Processing Time and What Happens Next

Mail-in renewals usually take four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your form. During that time, DPS will review your process, check your driving record, and verify your identity. If everything is in order, they will mail your new license to the address you provided on Form DL 43.

If DPS finds a problem — such as a suspension on your record, a name mismatch, or an incomplete form — they will send you a letter explaining what is missing or what you need to do. This can add weeks to the process. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DPS office in person instead; appointments are usually available within a few days, and in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once you receive the new license, destroy the old one or return it to DPS if they ask you to.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office Instead

If you do not want to wait four to six weeks, or if you do not may have access to for mail renewal, you can renew in person at any Texas DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency, and payment. You will also need to pass a vision test — bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Book an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6556. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Appointment slots fill up quickly during renewal season (typically spring and fall), so book as soon as your renewal window opens. Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person.

Proof of Residency and What Documents Work

Texas requires proof that you currently live in the state. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail (such as a tax return or jury summons) dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current address.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new address, you can use a combination of documents — for example, your old utility bill plus a signed lease for your new place. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

Do not send original documents by mail. Make a copy of your proof of residency and include that with Form DL 43. If you are renewing in person, bring the original document so the DPS officer can see it.

Real ID and Other Special Designations

If your current license has a Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), your new license will automatically have one too, as long as you renew before your current license expires. You do not need to do anything extra on Form DL 43.

If your license does not have a Real ID star and you want to add one, you cannot do it by mail. You will have to renew in person at a DPS office and bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. Real ID renewal requires more documentation than standard renewal, so plan for a longer appointment.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or any other special designation, check the DPS website to see whether Form DL 43 applies to your situation. Some endorsements and restrictions require in-person renewal or additional testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use Form DL 43. You will have to explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a vision test, and a new photo. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out what documents you will need.

What if I moved out of Texas and then moved back?

If you moved back to Texas and your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew using Form DL 43 as long as you now have proof of Texas residency. If your license expired more than two years ago while you were out of state, you will need to explore for a new license in person.

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

No. When you renew by mail using Form DL 43, DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What if DPS loses my form in the mail?

Mail can be delayed or lost. If you do not receive your new license within eight weeks of mailing Form DL 43, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your driver's license number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether they received your form.

Can I renew online instead of using Form DL 43?

Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. Your options are mail renewal using Form DL 43 or in-person renewal at a DPS office. Some county tax assessor-collector offices also handle renewals in person, though not all of them do.