You can renew your Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety office, by mail, or online

Texas gives you three ways to renew: in person at a DPS office, through the mail, or on the DPS website. Which one you use depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people who have not moved and whose license is still valid can renew online in minutes. If your license expired more than two years ago or you need a new photo, you must go in person.

The fastest route is online renewal through the Texas DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is, and you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires the same documents as online renewal and costs the same amount.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you moved, or you want to update your photo.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office location and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest and easiest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Renew," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and take a new photo using your computer or phone camera.

Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, you have not moved since your last renewal, and you do not need to change your name or address. If any of those things are not true, you must renew in person. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail in Texas

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you have not moved. You will need to request a renewal form from the Texas DPS, fill it out, and mail it back with a check or money order. You can request the form online through the DPS website or call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329) to have one mailed to you.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. You cannot take a new photo by mail, so your new license will use your current photo. If you need to update your photo, change your address, or correct your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you moved since your last renewal, you want a new photo, or you need to change your name. You can visit any DPS office in Texas, not just the one in your county. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.

The DPS will take a new photo, update your address if needed, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your new license will arrive in seven to 10 business days. The fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.

Finding a DPS office near you and checking wait times

The Texas DPS website has a tool that shows every DPS office location in the state, hours of operation, and current wait times. Search for your city or zip code to find the office closest to you. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can change throughout the day. If one office has a long wait, you can try a different location.

Many DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to make an appointment for license renewal at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online. Check the website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current Texas address, and your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved and your current license shows an old address, bring the proof of your new address.

If you are renewing after your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may ask for additional documents to verify your identity. Bring your Social Security card or a birth certificate if you have one. If you changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Renewing a license that expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS treats this as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to pass a vision test and may need to answer questions about your driving record.

Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and any documents that show a name change if that applies to you. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent license by mail within seven to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew a Texas license online or by mail if you have moved out of state. You must visit a DPS office in Texas in person. If you no longer live in Texas, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

A four-year license costs $16 and an eight-year license costs $32. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check, depending on which method you choose.

What if I need my new license before it arrives in the mail?

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you get a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. If you renew online or by mail, you have to wait for the permanent license to arrive. If you need your license sooner, renew in person.

Can I renew my license if my address changed?

You can renew online only if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address. The DPS will update your address during the renewal process.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices do not require an appointment for license renewal, but some allow you to reserve a time slot online. Check the website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available or recommended.