Where to Renew and What Method Works for You
Texas lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.
The online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your renewed license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer (typically 2 to 3 weeks) but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address on the license itself.
Not everyone can use online or mail renewal. You must have a valid, unexpired Texas license (or one expired less than two years) to use either remote method. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to renew in person and may have to retake the written test and vision screening.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest method if your license is still valid or expired less than two years, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks but requires no office visit; you'll need to submit your process by mail with a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you'll need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- The renewal fee in Texas is $45 for a four-year license or $90 for an eight-year license, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person depending on your renewal method.
- Your new license will have a new expiration date based on your age and the license type you choose, and you can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.
Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website
To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and use the Online Services portal. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity using information already on file with the state.
Online renewal is available only if your license is valid or expired less than two years. You cannot change your name, address, or other personal information online — if you need to update those details, you must renew in person. You also cannot request a new photo online; your renewed license will use the photo from your current license.
Once you submit your process and pay the $45 (four-year) or $90 (eight-year) renewal fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Timeline
To renew by mail, you'll need to request an process form from the Texas DPS or read it from their website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($45 or $90) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Include a copy of proof of residency with your process — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Your name and address on the proof must match what's on your process.
Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. You can continue driving on your current license during this period. Like online renewal, mail renewal cannot be used to change your name, address, or photo — those changes require an in-person visit.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
Visit a local DPS driver's license office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your name or address, or if you want a new photo on your renewed license. Bring your current or expired license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
At the office, you'll have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee, and complete a new process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll also take a vision screening and may need to retake the written knowledge test, depending on your age and how long it's been expired. The DPS staff will tell you what's required when you arrive.
Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's procedures. Call ahead to confirm what your local office does. You can find office locations and hours on the Texas DPS website.
Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods
Texas offers two renewal periods: a four-year license for $45 and an eight-year license for $90. The choice is yours at renewal. Your new license will expire four or eight years from the date of issue, not from your old license's expiration date.
The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you pay by check or money order in the mail, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash (in-person only).
If you're over 85 years old, Texas offers a one-year license for $20, which requires in-person renewal and a vision test each year. Drivers with certain medical conditions may also be may be able to access for shorter renewal periods.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person. The office will require you to take a vision screening, and depending on your age and how long the license has been expired, you may need to retake the written knowledge test.
Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS staff will let you know during your visit whether you need to take the written test. If you do, you'll take it at the office before your license is issued.
Your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date of issue. You cannot legally drive until your new license is in hand, so plan your visit accordingly.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you've moved or changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office — you cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) and, if you've changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The DPS will update your address and name in their system, issue a new photo, and provide your renewed license. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal — you'll either receive your license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. You can legally drive on your current license until your new one arrives, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. Keep your old license with you while you wait for the new one.
What if I need my license before the 7 to 10 business days?
If you renewed online or by mail, you cannot speed up the mailing process. If you need your license urgently, visit a DPS office in person — some offices can issue your license the same day, though this varies by location. Call your local office to ask.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?
Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office's policy. Making an appointment, if available, usually means a shorter wait time.
What if my address on file with the DPS is wrong?
If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address remotely. You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of your correct address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Texas DPS before you can renew. Contact the DPS to find out what's required to clear the suspension or revocation, then renew once it's been lifted.