How to renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid address on file, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. If you may have access to, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you don't may have access to for online renewal—because your license is too old, you need to update your address, or you have medical restrictions—you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. In-person renewal takes longer but handles changes the online system cannot process.
You can also renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no changes to report, though this is slower than online renewal and requires mailing documents to DPS.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical suspensions, and your address hasn't changed—it costs $25 or $50 depending on how long you want the license to last.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is more than two years expired, you need to change your address, or you have medical restrictions to update.
- You'll need your current or expired Texas driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew.
- DPS offices accept appointments through their online system, and wait times vary by location—booking ahead is faster than walk-in service.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or within two to three weeks for in-person renewal.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current or expired Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check whether you meet the renewal conditions.
If the system approves you, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Texas charges $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. Once payment is processed, you're done—your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
If the system tells you that you don't may have access to for online renewal, it will explain why. Common reasons include a medical suspension, an address change, or a license that expired more than two years ago. In those cases, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visit the Texas DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and book an appointment. Most offices accept appointments online, and you can usually get one within one to two weeks. Walk-in service is available but typically has longer waits, especially in urban areas.
Bring your current or expired Texas driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing because of a medical change, bring documentation from your doctor or healthcare provider explaining the change.
At the office, a DPS employee will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment. You'll pay the same fee as online renewal—$25 for five years or $50 for eight years. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Renewing by mail if your license recently expired
If your Texas driver's license expired less than two years ago and you have no changes to report, you can renew by mail. read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25 or $50.
Include a copy of your proof of residency with your mailed renewal. Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal—expect four to six weeks for processing and delivery. Because of the delay, mail renewal is most useful if you're not in a hurry and want to avoid a trip to a DPS office.
What happens if your license is expired by more than two years
If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a new photo, and a written knowledge test. The process is longer and more involved than renewal.
Bring your proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of residency, and proof of legal presence if you were not born in the United States. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal—$25 for five years or $50 for eight years.
Changing your address or medical restrictions during renewal
If you need to change your address on your driver's license, you cannot do it online—you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. The DPS employee will update your address during the renewal process.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving—such as vision loss, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder—and your condition has changed since your last renewal, you must report it in person. Bring documentation from your doctor describing the change. DPS may add restrictions to your license (such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only) or may suspend your license if the condition makes driving unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I live out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Texas, you must renew through the state where you now live. However, if you still live in Texas but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail before your license expires.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license—you must explore for a replacement. Visit a DPS office with your proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and proof of residency. You'll pay a replacement fee (usually $11 to $16) in addition to the renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewals take two to three weeks. You can drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as it was not suspended.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Texas driver's license?
If you renew online or by mail, your old photo is kept. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DPS will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.