What documents and fees you need for a Texas renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the renewal fee. Texas accepts a wide range of documents for identity — a passport, birth certificate, or even a previous driver's license counts. For residency, bring something dated within the last 90 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.
The renewal fee is $61 for a standard five-year license or $97 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document proving identity, one proving your current address (dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number.
- If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online; if it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
- The renewal fee is $61 for five years or $97 for eight years, paid at the time of renewal.
- Processing times vary: mail renewals take two to three weeks, in-person renewals are usually same-day, and online renewals take one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within two years
If your current license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting a DPS office. Mail the completed form DL-44 (the standard process), a copy of your identity document, a copy of your residency document, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form.
The DPS will mail your new license to the address on your process. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You should not plan to drive on an expired license while waiting for the new one to arrive — Texas law requires a valid license to operate a vehicle. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit a DPS office in person instead.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Texas allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if your license is not expired, expired fewer than two years ago, and you have not had any address changes that require a new photo. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Visit the Texas DPS website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts to submit your information and pay the $61 or $97 fee. The DPS will mail your new license within one to two weeks. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal but slower than in-person renewal. If you have had an address change or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you prefer to renew when ready, visit a Texas DPS office in person. Bring your current or expired license, one identity document, one residency document dated within the last 90 days, and your Social Security number. You will be asked to take a new photo and pass a vision test.
Most DPS offices issue your new license the same day you explore. Bring all documents in original form — the DPS does not accept photocopies for in-person renewals. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busiest in the morning and on Fridays. Check the DPS website for your nearest office location and current wait times before you go.
Documents that count as proof of identity
Texas accepts a broad list of identity documents. Your expired Texas driver's license itself counts as identity proof. Other acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (certified copy), military ID, tribal ID, or a previous driver's license from another state.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you submit a copy of your identity document. If you are renewing in person, bring the original. The document must not be expired — a passport that expired five years ago is still acceptable, but an expired out-of-state driver's license from 15 years ago is not. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to obtain one before you can renew.
Documents that count as proof of residency
Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government notice addressed to you.
The document must be in your name and must match the address you are providing on your renewal form. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document dated within the last 90 days at your new address, you can use a lease or rental agreement signed before the move, or ask your utility company for a letter confirming your new service address. A printed utility bill from your online account counts if it shows the date and your address.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Texas license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition reported to the DPS.
Contact the DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you must take to restore it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then renew your license through any of the methods above. Do not attempt to renew a suspended or revoked license by mail or online — the DPS will reject your process, and you will lose your renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name since I got it?
Yes, but you must bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing in person, bring the original document. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy. The DPS will update your name on your new license.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have my number memorized?
You can contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. You do not need the card itself — the DPS only needs the number. If you cannot obtain your number before you need to renew, you must renew in person at a DPS office, where staff can sometimes help you verify it.
How long does a Texas driver's license stay valid after it expires?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired fewer than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. An expired license is not valid for identification purposes either.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew by mail or online, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you will be asked to take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo when renewing in person.
What if my address on my renewal form does not match my identity document?
Your residency document must match the address you are providing on your renewal form. Your identity document does not need to match — it can show an old address. Bring both documents to show the DPS your current address and your identity.