Renew in Person at a Texas DPS Office
The most straightforward way to renew your Texas driver's license is to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices now use an online scheduling system to manage wait times. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available or required in your area.
Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.
The in-person visit takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken and your new license printed on the spot, though you may need to wait a few days for it to arrive by mail if the office is particularly busy. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
Renew by Mail if You Meet the Requirements
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical condition changes since your last renewal. You also cannot renew by mail if you are over 79 years old or if your license was suspended or revoked.
To renew by mail, request an process from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($25 for five years or $50 for eight years), and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process. Your current license stays valid during this time.
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no trip to an office. It works best if you have a stable address and no changes to report since your last renewal.
Renew Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, though the may be able to access rules are strict. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no address or name changes, you have no medical conditions to report, and you are between 18 and 79 years old. Your license must also have been issued in Texas and you must have a valid email address on file.
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The fee is $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet all the requirements. If you do not may have access to, you will be told when ready and directed to renew in person or by mail instead.
Key Takeaways
- Texas DPS offices allow walk-in renewals at most locations, though some now use online scheduling to reduce wait times.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if you have no address, name, or medical changes since your last license.
- Online renewal is the fastest option but has strict rules: your license must not be expired, you must be 18 to 79 years old, and you cannot have any changes to report.
- All three methods cost the same — $25 for five years or $50 for eight years — and your current license stays valid while you wait for the new one.
- If your license is expired or you have had any changes, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What to Bring to a DPS Office
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing because of a medical condition change, bring documentation from your doctor.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, just the number. DPS will verify your identity through its own records. If you cannot find your current license, you can still renew, but tell the DPS employee when you arrive so they can look up your information in the system.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 to renew. An eight-year license costs $50. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. At DPS offices, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Online, you pay by credit or debit card.
If you are renewing because of a medical condition change or a name change, there is no additional fee — you pay only the standard renewal cost. Some DPS offices may charge a small fee for a duplicate license if you need a replacement before your renewal arrives, but this is separate from the renewal fee.
How Long Your Renewal Takes
In-person renewal at a DPS office is the fastest: you walk out with your new license the same day, or it arrives by mail within a few days if the office prints it later. Online renewal takes about two weeks by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process.
Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new one, so you can continue to drive legally. If you need to travel by air or cross an international border before your new license arrives, your old license is still acceptable identification for those purposes in most cases.
What to Do if Your License Is Expired
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a new photo, and a written test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (in person, by mail, or online), as long as you meet the other requirements for that method.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have applied to renew it. If you are pulled over, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a ticket. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Texas, you must get a license from your new state instead. You cannot renew a Texas license by mail or online if your address has changed to another state. If you still live in Texas but moved to a new address within the state, you can renew in person or by mail, but you must report your new address.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DPS office if your name has changed. Bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change; the system will reject your process and direct you to an office.
How do I find the DPS office nearest me?
Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept appointments. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times before you go.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee and meeting other requirements. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.
What if I lose my new license before it arrives?
Contact the DPS office where you applied and ask for a duplicate. You will need to pay a small fee (usually around $11) for the duplicate. If your new license arrives while you are waiting for the duplicate, you can use the new one instead. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you need to prove your identity.