The documents and steps for a Texas license renewal

To renew your Texas driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category—you don't need everything on the list, just one document from identity and one from residency. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and which method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license qualifies for the faster routes.

The renewal process is simpler than getting your first license because you're not taking a written or road test. You're confirming that your information is still correct and paying the renewal fee. Most renewals take about two weeks if you go by mail, or a few minutes if you renew online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (like a passport or birth certificate) and one proving you live in Texas (like a utility bill or lease).
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and it costs less than renewing in person.
  • By-mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send your current license, proof documents, and a check to the DPS.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address on the same day.
  • Texas licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Proof of identity documents DPS accepts

Your proof of identity must show your name and date of birth. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a previous Texas ID or driver's license. If you don't have any of these, you can use a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

The document must be an original or certified copy—a photocopy won't work. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified by the issuing country or state and may need to be translated into English by a certified translator.

Proof of residency documents DPS accepts

Your proof of residency shows that you live at the address you're listing on your license. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Texas address, and it must be dated within the last 90 days.

If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, you can use a combination: a recent utility bill in your old address plus a lease or mortgage in your new address. Mail from a government agency—like a tax refund letter or voter registration card—also counts if it's recent and shows your current address.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option. You go to the Texas DPS website, create an account or log in, and complete the renewal form. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

You can only renew online if your current license is not expired, not suspended, and not revoked. You also cannot renew online if you want to change your address, add a Real ID star, or get a new photo. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you'll send your current license, one proof of identity, one proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the renewal form. Include a completed DL-44 form (the standard driver's license process). You can read this form from the DPS website or request it by phone.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. You can track your process status on the DPS website using your driver's license number. If the DPS needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you by mail or phone.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit a DPS office with your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. You'll fill out the DL-44 form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want a new photo, if you need to change your address and want it updated when ready, or if you want to add a Real ID star. You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the DPS website.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Texas driver's license is $33 if you renew online, and $35 if you renew by mail or in person. If you want to add a Real ID star (which lets you use your license for federal purposes like boarding a plane), the fee is $35 online or $37 in person or by mail.

The fee covers your new license card and the processing of your renewal. If you're renewing by mail, you pay by check or money order. If you're renewing online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but the method depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less 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 and will need to have a new photo taken.

What if I've moved and my current license has the wrong address?

If you renew online, your address won't change—you'll keep the old one on your new license. To update your address, renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal updates your address when ready; by-mail renewal updates it when your new license arrives.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not usually. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person and request one, or if your current license is more than eight years old.

How long before my license expires can I renew?

You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date—your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.

What if I lost my current license?

You'll need to replace it before you can renew. Contact the DPS to report it lost and request a replacement. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods.