Renewing Your Texas Driver License: The Basic Process
Texas driver licenses are renewed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you have three main routes: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
The renewal process itself is straightforward once you know which route fits your situation. You will need your current license number, a valid form of identification, and proof of Texas residency. Fees vary slightly by renewal type, and processing times differ between online, mail, and in-person routes.
Key Takeaways
- Texas allows online renewal for most standard driver licenses that are not expired or less than two years expired, and the process takes about 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal is available for licenses expired less than two years, costs the same as online renewal, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your process.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $50.50, and you will need proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or certain other endorsements — those require an in-person visit.
Online Renewal Through the DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license qualifies. You can renew online if your standard driver license is not currently expired or expired less than two years, you do not need a new photo, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. The DPS website at dps.texas.gov has a dedicated renewal portal where you enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee of $50.50 using a credit or debit card, and DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit, though mail delivery adds another 3 to 5 days. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving legally while you wait.
One common mistake is trying to renew online when your license has been expired more than two years. The system will reject your process and direct you to renew in person. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 before you start the online process.
Mail Renewal for Licenses Expired Less Than Two Years
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. read the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, or request one by calling 1-888-589-6556. You will also need to include proof of residency.
Mail your completed DL-43 form, the renewal fee of $50.50 (as a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety), and a copy of your proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. Your current license remains valid during processing, so you can continue driving.
Include a copy of your proof of residency, not the original. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current address. Do not send your current license with the process — DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, and you keep your old license until the new one arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) or certain endorsements. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing a license issued to someone under 18 years old or if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review.
Visit your local DPS office with your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, and the renewal fee of $50.50. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
DPS offices operate by appointment in most locations. Schedule your appointment online at dps.texas.gov or call 1-888-589-6556. Walk-in service is available at some offices but wait times are often longer. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while DPS mails your permanent license.
Documents You Need for Any Renewal Route
Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you will need to provide certain documents. Your current driver license (or expired license if it has been more than two years) is your primary identification. You will also need proof of Texas residency dated within the last 90 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued document showing your current address all work.
If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need to mail physical documents; you will enter the information from your license and residency proof into the form. If you are renewing in person, bring the actual documents with you. A photocopy of your residency proof is acceptable for mail renewal, but bring the original for in-person renewal.
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are changing your address, your proof of residency at the new address serves as your address change document — you do not need a separate form.
Renewal Fees and Processing Times
The standard renewal fee for a five-year driver license is $50.50. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee — call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm the total amount before you renew.
Processing times vary by method. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from submission, plus 3 to 5 days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet, plus mail delivery. In-person renewal is completed on the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | Total Time to Receipt | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 7–10 business days | 10–15 days | $50.50 |
| 2–3 weeks from receipt | 3–4 weeks | $50.50 | |
| In-person | Same day | 3–7 days (mail delivery) | $50.50 |
Special Situations: CDL, Endorsements, and Medical Conditions
If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office, and you will need to pass a vision test and medical examination. CDL renewals also require a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. Schedule an appointment at your local DPS office and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your medical certificate, and the renewal fee.
Certain endorsements — such as hazmat (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) — also require in-person renewal. If your license includes any of these endorsements, you cannot renew online or by mail. Check your license to see if you have any endorsements listed under your name. If you are unsure, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 before attempting to renew.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, DPS may require you to renew in person and pass additional tests. This includes conditions affecting vision, hearing, or physical mobility. If DPS has flagged your license for medical review, you will receive a letter explaining what documentation or tests you need. Bring that letter and any required medical documentation to your in-person renewal appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if it expired more than two years ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired more than two years. You may also owe a late fee in addition to the standard $50.50 renewal fee. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm the total amount before you visit an office.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
If you renewed online or by mail, your current license remains valid during processing, so you can drive legally. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which is also valid for driving. Do not drive with an expired license if you have not yet submitted a renewal process.
How do I change my address when I renew my license?
Bring proof of residency at your new address (dated within the last 90 days) to your renewal appointment or include it with your mail renewal process. You do not need a separate address change form — your proof of residency serves as your address change document. If renewing online, enter your new address in the form.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
DPS does not block license renewal based on traffic violations or unpaid fines. However, you may face other consequences if you have unpaid fines or an outstanding warrant. Resolve any outstanding tickets or fines before your renewal to avoid complications. Contact the court that issued the ticket if you are unsure of your status.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Schedule an in-person appointment at your local DPS office and bring your current license, proof of residency, the name-change document, and the renewal fee.