How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office — and which method you can use depends on how much time is left before yours expires and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all renewals, and the process takes different amounts of time depending on which route you choose.

Your Texas license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date, which gives you plenty of time to plan. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but your options narrow — expired licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail and must be handled in person at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option for most people and takes about two weeks, but only works if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send documents to the DPS, but you avoid a trip to the office.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.
Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and require additional documents, but they work for federal purposes like flying domestically.

Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Texas DPS website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal process without leaving home. The process takes about 15 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in roughly two weeks.

You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, your address has not changed, and you do not need to change your name or photo. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you cannot use online renewal — Real ID renewals must happen in person or by mail with additional documents. Standard licenses can be renewed online; Real ID licenses cannot.

When you complete the online process, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Texas charges $25 for a standard six-year license renewal. You will receive a confirmation number, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal, so plan ahead if you have travel coming up.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works for both standard and Real ID licenses and takes four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your documents. You request a renewal process form from the DPS website or by calling 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-337-8329), fill it out by hand, and mail it along with your documents to the address provided.

For a standard license renewal by mail, you need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If you are renewing a Real ID license by mail, you must also include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and a second form of identification.

Mail your documents to the address the DPS provides with the process form. Keep a copy of everything you send, and do not send cash — pay by check or money order. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on your process once your renewal is processed. This method works well if you cannot visit an office and do not need your license urgently.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, or if you want to update your photo. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to — some people prefer it because they walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, but some have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online check-in system that lets you reserve a time slot. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, also bring your original or certified birth certificate and a second form of ID. The office will take a new photo, process your process, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license usually arrives within two weeks.

Standard License vs. Real ID License

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID license. The main difference is that a Real ID license meets federal standards and can be used for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military bases. A standard license cannot be used for these federal purposes, though it works for driving and state identification.

A Real ID license costs $32 for a six-year renewal, compared to $25 for a standard license. The extra cost covers the additional verification required. If you fly domestically or need to enter a federal building, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport. If you only drive and do not travel by air, a standard license is sufficient.

When you renew, you choose which type you want. If you currently have a standard license and want to switch to Real ID, you must renew in person or by mail with your birth certificate and a second form of ID. If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Texas license has expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. Expired licenses cannot be processed through the faster methods because the DPS needs to verify your identity face-to-face and may need to take a new photo if too much time has passed.

Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the office. If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may require additional documents or may ask you to retake the written test. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, so renew as soon as possible. If you have been pulled over or cited for an expired license, you can show the officer your temporary paper license as proof that you have applied for renewal.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard six-year license renewal costs $25 in Texas. A Real ID license renewal costs $32. These are the only fees — there are no additional processing charges or hidden costs. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you pay by check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.

If you renew online and your process is rejected for any reason, the DPS will not charge you. If you renew by mail and your process is rejected, the DPS will return your payment. Keep your receipt or confirmation number so you can track your renewal status.

Tracking Your Renewal and What to Do If It Takes Too Long

After you renew online or by mail, you can check the status of your process on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number or license number. The status page tells you whether your process is being processed, approved, or ready to mail. In-person renewals are processed when ready, and you leave with a temporary license.

Online renewals typically take two weeks. Mail renewals take four to six weeks. If your renewal takes longer than expected, check the status online first. If the status shows no progress after the expected timeframe, call the DPS at 1-844-337-8329 to ask about your process.

If you need your license before your renewal arrives, you can request a duplicate license at a DPS office for $11. A duplicate is a temporary measure and is not the same as your renewed license, but it lets you drive legally while you wait for your renewal to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. To renew a Texas license, you must be a Texas resident. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but you cannot renew it once you no longer live in Texas.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring documents that show your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. It lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Do not throw away your temporary license until your permanent one arrives.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

If you are renewing in person, you can change your address at the DPS office during the renewal process. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person if your address has changed. After you renew in person with your new address, your new license will be mailed to that address.

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.