Texas driver's licenses can be renewed in person at a Department of Public Safety office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website for some renewal types.
Texas offers three renewal routes, and which one you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. The fastest option for most people is the online renewal at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person.
Your Texas driver's license is valid for five or eight years depending on your age and license class. You can renew up to one year before expiration, so there is no rush, but waiting until after your license expires limits your options and may cost you more.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dps.texas.gov is available for most standard renewals and takes about 10 minutes with no office visit required.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you have a commercial driver's license.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo.
- DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location; you can check your local office's hours on the DPS website before you go.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current Texas driver's license number to renew online or by mail.
Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License" from the menu, and choose "Renew Online." You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your current address or update it if you have moved.
Online renewal costs $16 for a five-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license by email when ready, and your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary license to drive while you wait for the card.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you have certain medical conditions or restrictions that require a DPS review. In those cases, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
Visit a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, you hold a commercial driver's license, or you want to change your address, name, or other information on your license. Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
In-person renewal costs $16 for a five-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot, though the card itself may take a few minutes to print. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours. Wait times vary widely by location and time of day; you can check your local office's current wait time on the DPS website before you go.
To find the DPS office nearest you, go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License," and choose "Office Locations." You can search by city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon may reduce your wait.
Mail Renewal for Expired Licenses
You can renew by mail if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a new photo. Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, but it requires no office visit. Send your current Texas driver's license, a check or money order for $16 (five-year) or $24 (eight-year), and a completed DL-44 form to the address listed on the DPS website.
The DL-44 form is available on dps.texas.gov under "Forms." Print it, fill it out completely, and include it with your license and payment. Mail everything to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your package, so mail early if your license is about to expire.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years. If that is your situation, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What to Bring for Each Renewal Type
| Renewal Type | What You Need | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, Social Security number, date of birth | $16 or $24 | 7–10 business days for physical card |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency | $16 or $24 | Same day |
| By Mail | Current license, DL-44 form, check or money order | $16 or $24 | 4–6 weeks |
When You Cannot Renew Online or by Mail
Some situations require an in-person visit to a DPS office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person because DPS requires a new photo and identity verification. The same applies if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to add or remove endorsements, or if you have medical conditions or restrictions that require DPS review.
You also must visit in person if you want to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if you want to upgrade from a five-year to an eight-year license. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, start the process at dps.texas.gov and the system will tell you whether you are may be able to access; if not, it will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment or visit an office.
How to Schedule an Appointment at a DPS Office
You do not need an appointment to visit most DPS offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Driver License," and choose "Schedule an Appointment." Select your nearest office, pick a date and time, and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Appointments are not required, so you can walk in without one, but having an appointment typically means a shorter wait. If you cannot make your scheduled time, cancel it on the website so someone else can use the slot. Walk-in customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis after appointment holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a DPS office in person for a new photo and identity verification. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
You will receive a temporary paper license by email within a few minutes of completing your online renewal. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license while you wait.
What counts as proof of residency for in-person renewal?
Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency.
Do I have to renew in person if I want a new photo?
Yes. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to submit a new photo. If you want a new photo on your license, you must visit a DPS office in person. The office will take your photo at no extra cost.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide the same documents as a standard renewal.