What You Need to Know About Texas License Renewal
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is still valid. Most people renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or visit a DPS office in person.
Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you need to update your address or other information.
- Texas charges $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most common way to renew your Texas driver's license. You go to the Texas DPS website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address on file with DPS is still correct. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations.
After you complete online renewal, you receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, you can use this number to check the status on the DPS website.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where
To renew by mail, you need to send three things to the DPS: your current driver's license, a completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver's License), and payment. You can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling 1-888-589-6789. Mail your materials to the address listed on the form — it varies by region, so check the form before you mail anything.
Payment by mail must be by check or money order made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Include the check or money order in the same envelope as your license and form. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks, and you should not expect to receive your new license before that time.
Mail your renewal materials in a way that lets you track the package, such as certified mail or a carrier that provides tracking. Keep your receipt. If your materials are lost in the mail, you will need proof that you sent them. Do not mail your original license unless you are certain you want to renew by mail — once you mail it, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Driver's License Office
Visit a DPS driver's license office if your license is expired, you have changed your name, you need to update your address, or you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and payment. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times and make an appointment on the Texas DPS website. Making an appointment usually cuts your wait time in half. Bring all required documents with you — if you are missing something, the office will not process your renewal and you will have to come back.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You pay in cash, by check, or by debit or credit card, depending on the office. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it the same day.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but not online.
Driving with an expired license is against the law in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal confirmation number or receipt, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. If your license expired and you need to drive before your new one arrives, renew in person at a DPS office so you can get your new license the same day.
Scam Alert: Protect Your Personal Information
Do not use third-party websites that claim to renew your license for you. These sites charge extra fees and may not send your process to the real DPS. The only official way to renew online is through the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Bookmark this address or type it directly into your browser — do not click a link from an email or text message, even if it looks official.
Be cautious of emails or phone calls claiming to be from the DPS asking for your driver's license number, Social Security number, or payment information. The real DPS does not contact people by email or phone to renew licenses. If you receive a suspicious message, do not reply or click any links. Report it to the Texas Attorney General's office.
When you renew online, make sure you are on a find connection (the web address starts with "https://"). Do not renew on public Wi-Fi. After you complete your renewal, check your credit card or bank account for unauthorized charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. The DPS will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic fines. You must pay the ticket first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how much you owe and how to pay it. Once you pay, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you get your new license the same day. These timelines assume normal processing; delays can happen during high-volume periods.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
If you moved within Texas, you can renew online if your new address is already on file with DPS (for example, if you updated it when you registered your vehicle). If your address is not updated, renew in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.
Can I renew my license if I changed my name?
Yes, but you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.
What if my new license does not arrive after 10 business days?
Check the status on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number. If it shows your renewal was processed but your license has not arrived, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. If your materials were lost in the mail, you may need to renew again or visit an office in person.