Renewing a Texas Driver's License: The Basic Process

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Texas license is valid for eight years if you are between 18 and 84 years old. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can start the process up to one year before expiration.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and costs $16 for a standard eight-year license, but you must have a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
  • By-mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs $16, but you cannot change your address or photo this way.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
  • You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and proof of Texas residency to renew, regardless of method.
  • Texas does not charge a fee for renewals if you are 85 or older, but you must renew in person every two years.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

The Texas DPS online renewal system is available at dps.texas.gov under the "Driver License" section. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 84 years old, you have a valid email address, and you do not need to change your photo or address. The process takes about 10 minutes.

You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $16 renewal fee. After you submit your information, the system verifies your identity using data from your original license process. If verification succeeds, your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

If the online system cannot verify your identity — which sometimes happens if your name has changed, your address has changed, or there is a mismatch in your records — you will be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. The system will tell you which option applies to your situation.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, you must request a renewal process from the Texas DPS. You can read the process (Form DL-44) from dps.texas.gov, or you can call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to request one be mailed to you. Mail-in renewal is available only if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than two years.

Complete the process and mail it to the address shown on the form, along with a check or money order for $16 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license (front and back) and proof of your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope.

By-mail renewal does not allow you to change your photo or your address on your license. If you need either of those changes, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you are 85 or older. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to — for example, if you want to update your address or change your name on the license at the same time.

Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is $16 for a standard license.

Visit the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Wait times vary; offices in rural areas are often faster than those in major cities. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office — the online and mail options are not available. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have started the renewal process.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to ask about your specific situation before you attempt to renew.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. A CDL is valid for four years, and the DPS will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.

Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Texas address, and your medical certificate (Form MCSA-5875) if your CDL requires one. The renewal fee is $16. If you need to update your medical certification or if your medical certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before you renew your CDL. The DPS office cannot issue a CDL renewal without a valid medical certificate on file.

Fees and Payment Methods

The standard renewal fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for an eight-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional charges for standard renewals.

If you are 85 or older, renewal is free, but you must renew in person every two years instead of every eight years. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is $11. If you want to add a Real ID designation to your license (required for federal air travel after May 7, 2025), the fee is $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID-compliant license.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I have moved out of state?

No. To renew a Texas driver's license, you must be a Texas resident. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you moved temporarily but still maintain a Texas residence, contact the DPS at 1-844-DPS-5555 to discuss your situation.

What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?

The renewal notice is a courtesy, not a requirement. You can renew your license at any time up to one year before it expires, whether or not you received a notice. If you did not receive a notice and your license is about to expire, you can renew online, by mail, or in person when ready.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I renew online?

The Texas DPS mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery by mail typically takes an additional 3 to 5 business days, so expect to receive your license within two to three weeks total. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Texas license?

No, not unless you choose to. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. A new photo is required if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license in Texas. However, if you have an active warrant or a suspended license due to a court order, you cannot renew until that matter is resolved. Contact the court or the DPS to find out whether your license is suspended.