Where to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Texas

You can renew your Texas driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, the mail option takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only choice if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Your renewal method depends on when your license expires, whether you've had any address changes, and what type of license you hold. Most Texas drivers renew online without visiting an office at all.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you renew online if your license expired less than 2 years ago and you have no address changes, medical suspensions, or CDL restrictions.
Online renewal costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal through DPS takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $25, but requires you to print and mail a form to a DPS office.
You must visit a DPS office in person if your license expired more than 2 years ago, you need a photo update, or you hold a CDL.
Find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov under the Driver License section. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions to verify your identity.

You're may be able to access to renew online only if all of these are true: your license expired less than 2 years ago, you have no address changes since your last renewal, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, you don't hold a CDL, and you're not renewing for the first time. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

After you complete the online form and pay the $25 fee with a credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail from your home

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You read and print Form DL-44 from the DPS website, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the DPS office listed on the form along with your $25 payment (check or money order only — no credit cards by mail). Include a copy of your current license or another form of ID.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope, plus mailing time both ways. This method works well if you prefer not to use the internet or if you're renewing close to your expiration date and want to avoid a trip to an office. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 2 years ago, if you need to update your photo, if you hold a CDL, or if you have any medical suspensions or restrictions. In-person renewal also applies if you're changing your name, correcting your address, or updating other information on your license.

Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is $25 for a standard renewal.

Visit dps.texas.gov and use the office locator to find the DPS office nearest you. Many offices now show real-time wait times on the website. You can also call ahead to ask about busy times. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most Texas DPS offices.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than 2 years

If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

The DPS will take a new photo and issue you a new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. The fee remains $25. If your license has been expired for a very long time, ask the DPS office whether you need to pass a written test or vision screening — requirements vary based on how long it's been.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal

CDL holders must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (CDLIS medical certification) if your CDL requires one. Some CDL renewals require a written test or vision screening depending on your renewal type.

CDL renewal fees vary: a standard renewal is $25, but if you're adding endorsements or changing your CDL class, fees may be higher. Ask the DPS office about your specific renewal cost when you call or visit.

Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times

The Texas DPS office locator is at dps.texas.gov under Driver License Services. Enter your city or ZIP code to see all nearby offices, their hours, and phone numbers. Many offices display current wait times on the website so you can plan your visit.

Call ahead if you have questions about documents, fees, or whether you need an appointment. Some DPS offices in high-traffic areas may ask you to arrive early or visit during off-peak hours. A few offices offer online appointment scheduling — check your local office's page to see if yours does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I moved out of state?

No. You must renew your Texas license in Texas, either online, by mail, or in person. If you've moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency for their renewal process.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You'll need to visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a replacement license and renew it in one visit. The fee is $25 for the replacement.

How long is a renewed Texas driver's license valid?

Standard Texas driver's licenses are valid for 8 years from the date of renewal. Your new license will show the expiration date. You can renew again anytime within 2 years before it expires.

Do I need to pass a test to renew my license in Texas?

No written or driving test is required for a standard renewal if your license is current and you're renewing before it expires by more than 2 years. If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, the DPS office may require a vision screening or written test — ask when you call.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

If you renewed by mail or online, your license is mailed to your address on file — no pickup needed. If you renewed in person and the office mails your license, only you can pick it up in person with a photo ID, or the office may mail it to your address instead. Ask the DPS office about their policy when you visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.