Texas Driver License Renewal: What You Need to Know
You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and can be completed in under an hour in person.
Texas licenses are valid for 8 years (6 years for drivers under 85 years old who renew online). You can renew up to 2 years before your expiration date, which means you do not have to wait until the last moment. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you are not required to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes.
- By-mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you can usually walk in without an appointment.
- Texas charges $33 for an 8-year renewal online or by mail, and $40 for an in-person renewal that includes a new photo.
- If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov under the Driver License Services section. You will need your current Texas driver license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is in the mail.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you have had a conviction for driving while intoxicated in the past 5 years, if you have had certain traffic violations, or if you need to change your address. You also cannot renew online if you are renewing for the first time or if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, use the by-mail or in-person method instead.
Your new physical license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Texas does not issue a paper receipt for online renewals, so keep your confirmation email for your records. The $33 fee is non-refundable.
By-Mail Renewal
To renew by mail, you must submit Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), your current license, and a check or money order for $33 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can read Form DL-44 from the DPS website or request it by calling 1-888-589-6789. Do not send cash.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the form—there are regional processing centers, and the correct address depends on your county. Include a cover letter with your name and driver license number so the DPS can match your payment to your process. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your packet, though mail delivery time is not included in that estimate.
By-mail renewal works for most drivers, including those with address changes, as long as your license is not expired by more than 2 years. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person. Keep a copy of your process and the tracking number from your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office without an appointment for renewal. Bring your current driver license, one form of valid identification (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two documents that show your new address.
Processing in person takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will have a new photo taken, and your new license will be issued on the spot. The fee is $40 for an 8-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your temporary license is valid when ready, and your physical card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you have had a DWI conviction in the past 5 years, or if you need to update your photograph. It is also the only option if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) or if you need to add or remove endorsements.
Documents and Fees at a Glance
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, payment method | $33 | 7–10 business days for physical card |
| By Mail | Form DL-44, current license, check or money order | $33 | 7–10 business days after receipt |
| In Person | Current license, valid ID, proof of address, Social Security number | $40 | Same day (temporary); 7–10 business days for physical card |
What to Do If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired fewer than 2 years ago, you can renew using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You may also be required to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been since your license was issued.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show them your confirmation email (for online renewal) or a copy of your mailed process with the tracking number, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash by mail—the DPS will not process it, and you will lose the money. Use a check or money order instead. Do not forget to include your driver license number on your process or cover letter when renewing by mail; without it, the DPS may not match your payment to your file and your renewal will be delayed.
Do not assume your renewal notice means you are may be able to access for online renewal. The notice does not indicate which method is available to you; check the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm. Do not wait until your license expires to renew; you can renew up to 2 years early, and doing so avoids the risk of driving with an expired license.
If you are renewing in person, do not bring an expired passport as your only form of ID—it must be valid. Bring a second document that shows your current address if you have moved since your last license was issued; a single document is not enough for an address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a driver license from that state. If you still live in Texas but have moved to a new address within the state, you can renew online, by mail, or in person; just make sure to update your address during the renewal process.
What if I lost my current driver license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring a valid form of ID and proof of your address. The DPS will issue you a replacement license at the same time. The fee is $40 for an 8-year license.
How long does it take to receive my license in the mail after I renew?
Physical licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your renewal. This timeline does not include the time it takes for your process to reach the DPS office. If you renewed online or in person, your temporary license is valid when ready while you wait for the physical card.
Do I need to renew my license in person if I want to change my name?
Yes. Name changes require in-person renewal. Bring your current driver license, a valid form of ID, proof of your address, your Social Security number, and a certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). The fee is $40.
What happens if I renew online but then realize I made a mistake on my process?
Contact the DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789 before your new license is mailed. If your license has already been printed, you will need to request a replacement in person at a DPS office. Keep your confirmation email and any correspondence with the DPS for your records.