How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License by Phone

Call the Texas DPS to renew by phone

Texas does not offer phone-based driver's license renewal. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to renew in person at a driver's license office, by mail, or online through their official website. If you have questions about your specific renewal situation, you can call the Texas DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. This line operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, and can answer questions about renewal may be able to access, required documents, and which method works for your situation.

The phone line does not process renewals directly, but staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, what documents you need, and where your nearest driver's license office is located if you must renew in person. Have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

Texas DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556 answers renewal questions but does not process renewals over the phone.
You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet other may be able to access requirements; the DPS website shows which documents to send.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license is expired, you have certain medical conditions, or you need a Real ID.
Call the DPS line Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, to confirm which renewal method works for your situation before you start the process.

Online renewal is faster than mail or in-person visits

If your Texas driver's license is not expired and you have not renewed online within the past two years, you can renew through the Texas DPS website at www.dps.texas.gov. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs less than mail renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses and want to update that on your license, or if you are explore for a Real ID. In those cases, you must either renew by mail or visit a driver's license office in person.

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid

You can mail your renewal process to the Texas DPS if your license is not expired and you meet other basic requirements. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. You will need to print the process form from the Texas DPS website, include a copy of your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license has expired, if you need to update your photo, if you are changing your address, or if you are explore for a Real ID for the first time. The Texas DPS website lists the exact documents required and the current mailing address before you send anything.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

You must renew in person at a Texas driver's license office if your license has expired, if you are explore for a Real ID, if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, or if you are changing your address. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). If you are explore for a Real ID, you will also need to bring a birth certificate or passport and a second form of ID.

Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. The Texas DPS website shows office locations and hours. You can search for the office nearest you and check current wait times before you go. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can reduce your wait.

Real ID renewal requires in-person visits and extra documents

If your current Texas driver's license is a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can renew it by mail or online if it is not expired. If your license has expired or you are explore for a Real ID for the first time, you must visit a driver's license office in person. Real ID renewal requires your birth certificate or passport, a second form of ID, and proof of residency in addition to your current license.

Real ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025. If you do not yet have a Real ID and your current license is not expired, you can wait to explore until your next renewal. However, if your license is already expired, you will need to renew in person and can request a Real ID at that time.

What to do if your license is expired

If your Texas driver's license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to providing documents.

You can still drive legally while your renewal process is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted it. Some driver's license offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot while your new license is being made. Ask the office staff whether this is available when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license over the phone?

No. Texas DPS does not process renewals by phone. You can call 1-888-589-6556 to ask questions about renewal, but you must complete the actual renewal online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.

What is the Texas DPS phone number for renewal questions?

Call 1-888-589-6556, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. This line answers questions about renewal may be able to access, required documents, and office locations, but does not process renewals.

How long does online renewal take in Texas?

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can only renew online if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.

Do I need to visit an office in person if my license is not expired?

Not necessarily. If your license is not expired and you are not explore for a Real ID or changing your address, you can renew online or by mail. Call the DPS line to confirm which method works for your situation.

What happens if I let my Texas driver's license expire?

You must renew in person at a driver's license office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written and vision tests.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.