How to renew your Texas ID in person, by mail, or online
You can renew your Texas driver's license or ID card online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go in person or by mail. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually same-day or next-day.
The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your personal information has changed. Most people who are renewing on time can handle it online in minutes. If you are past your expiration date or need to update your information, plan for a trip to a DPS office or allow extra time for mail processing.
Key Takeaways
- Texas lets you renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you are not a commercial driver.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you cannot use your old license while you wait.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and you can drive home with a temporary paper license the same day.
- Your Texas ID is valid for six years if you are under 85, or five years if you are 85 or older.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either your current license or a birth certificate to renew.
Online renewal: fastest if your information has not changed
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and log into your account with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, any name changes, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. The system will ask you to upload a new photo or use your existing one. If you use your existing photo, the renewal takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $25 for a six-year license (or $20 for a five-year license if you are 85 or older). You pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you have changed your address and did not update it with DPS, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you are a first-time license holder or if you have certain medical conditions that require an in-person evaluation.
Mail renewal: two to three weeks without a trip
To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any name changes. Sign and date the form. Attach a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and a document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Mail your completed form, documents, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a new photo if you want to update your photo, or write "use existing photo" on the form if you want to keep the one on file. Mail renewal costs $25 for a six-year license (or $20 for a five-year license if you are 85 or older).
Processing takes two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope. You cannot drive on your expired license while you wait for your new one by mail, so only use this method if you have time before your expiration date. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal: same-day temporary license
Visit any Texas DPS office with your current license or ID card, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring your original birth certificate if you do not have your current license. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about medical conditions, and sign the process. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
In-person renewal costs $25 for a six-year license (or $20 for a five-year license if you are 85 or older). You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive home with that day. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Go in person if your license is expired, if you have changed your name or address and need to update it when ready, or if you want a new photo. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use the mail or online options. Check the Texas DPS website for office hours and locations near you; some offices are open on Saturday mornings.
What documents you need for each method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, Social Security number | $25 (6 years) or $20 (5 years, age 85+) | 7–10 business days |
| Form DL-43, current license, Social Security proof, address proof, new photo (optional) | $25 (6 years) or $20 (5 years, age 85+) | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license or birth certificate, Social Security number, address proof | $25 (6 years) or $20 (5 years, age 85+) | Same day (temporary); 7–10 business days (permanent) |
When your Texas ID expires and how long it lasts
Your Texas driver's license or ID card is valid for six years from the date it was issued, unless you are 85 or older — in that case, it is valid for five years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means taking the written test and the driving test again. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above.
Address changes, name changes, and other updates
If you have changed your address but your license is not expired, you can update your address online through the Texas DPS website without renewing your license. This is free and takes a few minutes. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must renew your license in person or by mail. You will need to provide a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online.
If you need to add or remove a medical condition flag on your license, or if you need to update your organ donor status, you can do this online or in person. Medical condition flags tell law enforcement about conditions like hearing loss or seizure disorders that may affect your driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you must explore for a new license and take both the written test and the driving test again. Contact your local DPS office to schedule the tests.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person and report it lost or stolen. Bring your Social Security number and proof of your current address. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $11) in addition to the renewal fee, and you will receive a temporary paper license that day.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. When you renew online or by mail, you can keep your existing photo. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo automatically. If you want a new photo when renewing by mail, include it with your process and write "new photo" on the form.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You will receive a temporary paper license to drive home with the same day. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
If you are renewing online, you can update your address as part of the renewal. If you are renewing by mail, include a document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address with you.