How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Renewing your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which method you use depends on whether your license has expired, how long it expired ago, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other routes.

Your license is valid for six years in Texas. The DPS sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you can do it as soon as you receive the notice or wait until the last day.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as someone renewing before expiration. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license has not expired or expired less than two years ago.
You will need your current or expired Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current or expired license to the DPS along with a completed form and payment.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and will need to pass a vision test and written test.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is available if your license has not expired or expired less than two years ago. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Driver License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo of your current or expired license.

The fee for online renewal is $25 for a four-year license or $40 for a six-year license. You can pay with a debit card or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though it can take longer during peak renewal periods.

If you need to change your address, update your name, or add a Real ID star (which marks your license as compliant with federal identification standards), you cannot do it online. You must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal for unexpired or recently expired licenses

To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $25 (four-year) or $40 (six-year), and mail your current or expired license along with the completed form to the address provided on the process.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your package. The DPS does not send a receipt or confirmation, so keep a copy of your process and note the date you mailed it. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Mail renewal is slower and more expensive than online renewal because you pay for postage both ways and have no way to track your process. Use it only if you cannot renew online or in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You can renew in person at any DPS driver's license office in Texas. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment in cash, check, or card. The fee is $25 for a four-year license or $40 for a six-year license.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken and can request a Real ID star or address change at the same time. Many DPS offices allow you to book an appointment online, which reduces wait time.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. You will need to pass a vision test and a written test covering Texas traffic laws. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study the Texas Driver Handbook on the DPS website before you go.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must replace it. Replacement is different from renewal and requires you to go to a DPS office in person. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and payment of $25 for a four-year license or $40 for a six-year license.

You will have a new photo taken and receive a new license number. The process takes about 30 minutes. If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, report it to the DPS and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Real ID and other updates during renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard that marks your driver's license as acceptable for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Texas began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and most people now have one. If your license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not Real ID compliant.

You can add a Real ID star during renewal if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal does not allow you to add Real ID. To get Real ID, bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of residency along with your regular renewal documents. There is no extra fee for Real ID.

If you need to change your name or address during renewal, you must do it in person or by mail. Online renewal does not allow name or address changes. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court order along with your renewal documents.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes two to three weeks. If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready or within a few days if the office needs to mail it to you.

Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives. You can use your old license for identification until the new one comes, but you cannot drive with it. Once you have your new license, destroy the old one or keep it for your records.

If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will have a new expiration date six years from the date you renew. If you renew after your license expires, the new expiration date is six years from the date it expired, not from the date you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Texas to renew. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a DPS office in Texas or contact the DPS about options for out-of-state renewal.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic ticket and fine. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and pass the written and vision tests.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but many DPS offices allow you to book one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more during busy times. Check the DPS website to see if your local office offers online scheduling.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

The cost is $25 for a four-year license or $40 for a six-year license. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. Mail renewal costs the same, but you also pay for postage to mail your process and license to the DPS.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support debt?

The DPS may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support debt. Before you renew, check your driving record on the DPS website to see if there are any holds on your license. If there are, you must resolve the debt before you can renew.

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.