You can renew your Texas driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety office, online through the DPS website, or by mail if you meet certain conditions

Texas offers three ways to renew: in-person at a DPS office, online at dps.texas.gov, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet age and residency requirements. Which route works depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you want to change your address or photo. Most people who are may be able to access choose online renewal because it takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal.

Your renewal important date is your birthday. Texas sends a reminder notice about 45 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at dps.texas.gov is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is current and you do not need a new photo or address change.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you want to update your photo or address.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address in the last two years, and you are between 18 and 84 years old.
  • DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location; checking online before you go can save you time.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal, though requirements vary slightly by situation.

Online renewal through the DPS website

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, not suspended, and you do not need to change your photo or address. You go to dps.texas.gov, click the "Renew Your Driver License" button, and answer questions about your current license. The system verifies your identity using information from your license record and asks you to confirm your address and other details.

The fee for online renewal is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal does not let you change your photo or address. If you need either of those, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

You can renew in person at any Texas DPS office, regardless of whether your license is expired or suspended. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you want a new photo, if you want to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use the online system.

To find a DPS office near you, go to dps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check wait times online before you go.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are changing your address, bring the residency document that shows your new address. The fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You pay by cash, check, or card. You receive your new license on the spot or by mail, depending on the office.

Mail renewal for may be able to access drivers

You can renew by mail if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address in the last two years, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and your license is not expired. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail.

To renew by mail, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and request a renewal process. DPS will mail you the form. You fill it out, include a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year), and mail it back to the address on the form. Your new license arrives in 4 to 6 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.

Mail renewal does not include a new photo. If you want to change your photo or address, you must renew in person.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You can drive to the DPS office on your expired license, but you cannot drive for any other purpose.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to take a written test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Ask the DPS office when you arrive what tests you will need.

What to do if your license is suspended

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Before you renew, you need to resolve the reason for the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition flagged by DPS.

Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, along with any documents that show the suspension has been resolved (such as a receipt for paid fines or a court order).

DPS office locations and wait times

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many towns. To find the office closest to you, go to dps.texas.gov, click "Locations," and enter your city or zip code. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and services offered at each location.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Some offices post current wait times on the DPS website or on a display in the office. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning, on a Tuesday or Wednesday, or during the middle of the month when fewer people are renewing. You can also call the office ahead of time to ask about typical wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may have to take a written test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal. Call the DPS office before you go to ask what tests explore to your situation.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office and request an when ready license.

Do I have to change my photo when I renew?

No. If you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same. If you renew in person, you can choose to keep your current photo or take a new one. Tell the DPS employee which you prefer when you arrive.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of residency showing your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days). Online and mail renewal do not let you change your address.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and any medical certificates required by federal law.