How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website — but not all renewal types work through all three channels. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 15 minutes once you're called. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. Online renewal, available only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions, can be completed in minutes.

For any renewal method, you'll need to bring or submit proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. Acceptable identity documents include your current Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. For residency, the DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail copies of these documents along with your renewal process.

Key Takeaways

Texas offers three renewal paths — in-person at a DPS office, by mail, or online — and which one you can use depends on your license status and how long it's been since you last renewed.
You must bring proof of identity and proof of Texas residency to renew in person, or mail copies if renewing by mail.
A standard five-year license renewal costs $25 in Texas, though commercial licenses and other types carry different fees.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.
You can check your renewal may be able to access and start an online renewal on the DPS website before visiting an office or mailing anything.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

Online renewal through the DPS website is the quickest path if your current license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past five years. You'll create or log into your DPS account, answer security questions, review your information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to update your name or address, if you wear corrective lenses and need a new photo, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. If any of these explore, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk-in service is available at DPS offices, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and be ready to have a new photo taken. The fee is $25 for a standard five-year renewal. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, you must renew in person. Bring the document that supports the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change. You'll also need to bring proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

Mail renewal and when it's your only option

Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago. You'll complete an process form (DL-44 or DL-43, depending on whether you're renewing a standard or commercial license), gather copies of your identity and residency documents, include a check or money order for $25, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process.

If your license expired more than two years ago, mail renewal is not available — you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS treats licenses expired beyond two years as new applications rather than renewals, which requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and a vision test.

Fees and what affects the cost

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25 in Texas. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $100. If you're renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may owe additional reinstatement fees on top of the renewal fee — these vary depending on the reason for suspension or revocation.

The DPS does not offer partial-year or shorter-term renewals. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, regardless of when you renew within the validity window of your current license. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be five years from the renewal date, not five years from your old expiration date.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person. A new license process requires a visit to a DPS office, a new photo, a vision test, and proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The fee for a new license is $25.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can show your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your confirmation number (if you renewed online), but these are not substitutes for a valid license. If your license expired and you have not yet renewed, do not drive until your new license arrives.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you need to change your address, you can do so during an in-person renewal by bringing proof of your new address. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal — you must visit a DPS office. The address change itself is free, but you'll still pay the $25 renewal fee.

Name changes require an in-person visit and supporting documentation. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document. The DPS will take a new photo and issue your license with the updated name. The renewal fee remains $25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You'll need to report it lost to the DPS and explore for a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement costs $11 and requires an in-person visit. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time for an additional $25 fee.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days from the date the DPS processes your process.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person, yes — the DPS will take a new photo. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your existing photo unless you're renewing a license that's more than 8 years old, in which case a new photo is required and you must renew in person.

What if my renewal is rejected or delayed?

Contact the DPS directly using the phone number on your confirmation email or the DPS website. Common reasons for delays include missing documents, illegible copies, or mismatched information. The DPS will tell you what's missing and how to resubmit.

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.