How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Where and how to renew your Texas driver's license

You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Not everyone can renew online. You must have a valid Texas license that hasn't been expired for more than two years, no medical restrictions, no address changes, and no name changes since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address, name, or medical changes.
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal requires you to complete an process form, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you can walk out with your license the same day.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee. The system will verify your information against DPS records and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact details.

After you complete the online form and pay, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during that time. If you need your license sooner, online renewal is not the right choice — you'll need to renew in person instead.

Mail renewal by sending a completed form and payment

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website, or call 1-888-589-6789 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time. Mail renewal works best if you have no changes to your address, name, or medical status and you're not in a hurry. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

To renew in person, visit a DPS office with your current or expired Texas driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). You can find office locations and hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring your documents in original form — copies are not accepted.

At the office, you'll have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. You'll receive your new license when ready. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written exam on traffic laws. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.

You'll be required to pass a vision test. Depending on how long your license has been expired and your age, you may also need to pass a written exam on Texas traffic laws. The DPS will tell you whether you need to take the exam when you arrive. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day. If you fail the written exam, you'll need to schedule another appointment to try again.

Renewing with address or name changes

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. For mail renewal, fill out Form DL-43, list your new address, and mail it with your payment. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days).

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Texas driver's licenses issued after January 22, 2018 are Real ID compliant by default. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star and you want one, you can request it during renewal.

To get a Real ID license, you'll need to provide additional documents: proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) and proof of residency. If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot add Real ID status — you must renew in person. The fee for a Real ID license is the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must renew in person at a DPS office. You'll need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written exam on traffic laws depending on how long it's been expired.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Your current license stays valid during this time, so you can continue to drive legally. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office instead.

What documents do I need to bring if I renew in person?

Bring your current or expired Texas driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). All documents must be originals — copies are not accepted.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Texas?

No, a standard Texas driver's license is fine for driving. You only need a Real ID license (marked with a gold star) if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. You can request Real ID status during renewal, but you must renew in person to do so.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address changed. You can renew by mail by listing your new address on Form DL-43, or renew in person by bringing proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

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.