Find a Texas DPS Office Near You

Texas driver's licenses are renewed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not through county offices or third-party vendors. You can renew in person at any DPS Driver License Service Center across the state. To find the location nearest you, visit the DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov, enter your city or ZIP code, and the system will show you hours, address, and whether appointments are available.

Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary widely. Some offices in rural areas have minimal lines; offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio often have waits of 30 minutes to two hours during peak times (mid-morning on weekdays, any time on Saturdays). Booking an appointment online through the DPS website eliminates the wait and is free. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance.

If you cannot reach a DPS office in person, Texas also allows mail-in renewal and online renewal for certain license types and situations. These routes are faster and do not require a trip, but they have specific may be able to access rules that depend on your license class and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS operates all driver's license renewals; find your nearest office and hours at dps.texas.gov using the office locator tool.
  • You can renew in person (with or without an appointment), by mail, or online, depending on your license type and renewal history.
  • In-person renewal requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license; bring originals, not copies.
  • Mail-in and online renewal are only available if your license is not expired more than two years and you meet other DPS requirements.
  • Renewal fees are $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license; payment methods vary by location and renewal type.

What Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Bring originals of all documents—DPS does not accept copies, faxes, or photos. You will need your current Texas driver's license (even if it is expired), a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of current Texas residency. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance document will not work.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), you must also bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents). Non-Real ID renewals do not require these extra documents.

Bring your current address and phone number. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address before you arrive or bring proof of your new address to update it during the visit. You will also need to know your Texas driver's license number, which is on your current license.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office: Step by Step

Arrive at your chosen DPS office with all required documents. If you have an appointment, check in at the desk; if you are walking in, take a number and wait. When called, hand your documents to the clerk. They will verify your identity, check your driving record, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file.

You will then be directed to a photo station where a new photo is taken (unless you renewed within the last five years and chose to keep your old photo). After the photo, you will be asked to sign a digital pad or paper form. Finally, you will pay the renewal fee at the cashier: $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license. Texas DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most locations, though some rural offices may accept cash only—call ahead if you are unsure.

Your new license is printed on-site and handed to you before you leave. The entire process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office and time of day. Your old license is returned to you or destroyed; ask the clerk if you want to keep it as a souvenir.

Mail-In Renewal: When You Can Use It and How

You can renew by mail if your Texas driver's license has not been expired for more than two years, you are at least 18 years old, and you have not had any license suspensions or disqualifications. You must also have renewed your license in person at least once in the past 10 years. If you meet these conditions, you can request a mail-in renewal form from the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789.

Complete the form (DL-44M), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license and proof of residency (same documents as in-person renewal). Mail processing takes 15 to 20 business days from the date DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail-in renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your name. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Online Renewal: may be able to access and the Process

Texas offers online renewal through a third-party vendor, TexasOnline, but only for certain drivers. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than two years, you are at least 18, you have no suspensions or disqualifications, and you renewed in person at least once in the past 10 years. You must also have a valid email address and a debit or credit card.

Go to onlineservices.texas.gov, select "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. You will confirm your address, choose your license term (five or eight years), and pay the renewal fee online. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, and your new license is mailed to you.

Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo remains on your license. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person. Online renewal is also not available if you are changing your name, address, or license class.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is bringing copies or photos of documents instead of originals. DPS will turn you away and you will have to return. Bring the actual document: the original birth certificate, the actual utility bill, the real Social Security card. A second common mistake is not bringing proof of residency at all. Many people assume their current license counts; it does not. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Another mistake is not updating your address before renewal. If you have moved and your license still shows your old address, update it during the renewal process or before you arrive. If you do not, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it. A fourth error is attempting mail-in or online renewal when you are not may be able to access—for example, if your license expired more than two years ago or you have never renewed in person. Check the DPS website to confirm your may be able to access before you start.

Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration. Renewing early avoids the rush and means you will not accidentally drive on an expired license. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $61. An eight-year license costs $123. These are the standard fees as of 2024; DPS does not charge extra for renewals at different locations or for different license classes (Class C, commercial, motorcycle, etc.). You choose the term length when you renew.

In-person renewals accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most DPS offices. Some rural locations accept cash only, so call ahead if you are unsure. Mail-in renewals require a check or money order; do not send cash. Online renewals require a debit or credit card. No DPS office charges a separate appointment fee or processing fee; the renewal fee is the only cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it has been expired for more than two years?

Yes, but only in person at a DPS office. Mail-in and online renewal are not available if your license has been expired longer than two years. Bring all the same documents as a standard renewal, including proof of residency and a valid ID.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You cannot renew without it. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. If you do not have any of these, contact DPS before your appointment to ask about alternatives for your situation.

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

In-person renewal: your license is printed on-site and you take it home the same day. Mail-in renewal: 15 to 20 business days from the date DPS receives your packet. Online renewal: 5 to 10 business days. Mailed licenses are sent to the address on file.

Can I renew online if I need a new photo?

No. Online renewal keeps your current photo. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. A new photo is taken during in-person renewal unless you renewed within the last five years and choose to keep your old photo.

What happens if I drive on an expired license?

Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. You can be stopped and cited. If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before renewal is complete, renew in person so you receive your license the same day.