Texas Driver License Renewal: In-Person, Online, and by Mail

You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about an hour on average, depending on wait times at your location.

Your may be able to access for each method depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you've had any address changes, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can renew online or by mail, but some situations require you to show up in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works if your license expired within the last two years and you haven't changed your address or name.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must include your current license and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or you've had an address or name change.
  • Texas driver licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you choose at renewal.
  • You can check your license expiration date and renewal status on the Texas DPS website before you start the process.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

To renew online, go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the driver license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years, your address and name haven't changed, and you don't need a new photo. If you're renewing an eight-year license and you're now 79 or older, you must renew in person because Texas requires a new photo for drivers in that age group.

After you complete the online transaction, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about two weeks. You can use your expired license as proof of identity until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works under the same conditions as online renewal — your license must have expired within the last two years, and you can't have changed your address or name. You'll need to request a renewal form from the Texas DPS or read it from their website.

Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and the completed form in an envelope addressed to the DPS. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends.

Keep a copy of your check or money order number and the date you mailed the form. If you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DPS with that information so they can track your renewal.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you've changed your address or legal name, you need a new photo, or you're a driver aged 79 or older renewing an eight-year license. Bring your current license (or an expired license plus another form of ID), proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number or an exemption letter from the Social Security Administration.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you've changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online. Bring all documents with you; you cannot complete the renewal without them. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Choosing Between a Four-Year and Eight-Year License

At renewal, you can choose to get a four-year license or an eight-year license. A four-year license costs $16 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license costs $32 and is valid for eight years. The choice is yours — there's no requirement to pick one or the other.

Some people prefer the four-year option because it's cheaper upfront and gives you a chance to update your photo more often. Others choose the eight-year option to avoid renewing as frequently. If you're 79 or older, you can only get a four-year license, and you must renew in person.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

Driving with an expired license in Texas is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you're pulled over, you can show a receipt or confirmation number from an online or mail renewal as proof that you've started the process, but the officer may still issue a citation. Once your new license arrives, the citation can usually be dismissed if you show proof of renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DPS office in person. The longer your license has been expired, the more documents you may need to bring. Contact your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they'll require.

Renewing a Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your address, proof of your Social Security number, and any medical certification documents if your CDL requires them. The renewal fee is $75 for a four-year CDL or $150 for an eight-year CDL.

If your CDL has been expired for more than 30 days, you may need to retake the written test and the driving test. Contact the DPS before you go to find out what's required for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in your county. Some DPS offices in border towns and major cities have shorter wait times than others.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If you've moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address. You can update your address at the same time you renew your license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take about two weeks for the DPS to process and mail your license to you. In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. You can drive on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you're renewing online or by mail, your old photo stays on your license. If you're 79 or older, you must renew in person and get a new photo. You can also request a new photo at any in-person renewal, even if it's not required.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office and report the license lost or stolen. You'll get a replacement license with a new number, and the fee is $11 for a four-year license or $22 for an eight-year license.