What You Need to Know Before You Start
Texas driver's licenses expire every eight years for most adults, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you have had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions since your last renewal.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are under 18. In those cases, you must renew in person. If your license is current or expired less than two years, online renewal is the fastest route and costs less than in-person renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $16, and works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no changes to report.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $16, but you must include a completed form and proof of residency with your process.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes 30 minutes to an hour on average and costs $27, but is required if your license has been expired more than two years or if you need to change your name or address.
- You will need your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency for any renewal method.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can pick it up at the DPS office the same day if you renew in person.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your current or recently expired license, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the $16 fee. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home at any time.
After you submit your process online, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot use online renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person.
Online renewal will not work if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are under 18, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are a commercial driver. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $16. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a copy of your current or expired license, and enclose proof of Texas residency. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address.
Mail your completed form, license copy, and proof of residency to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not send your original license — send only a copy. Include a check or money order for $16 made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than two years, you cannot have changes to report, and you cannot be under 18. If your license has been expired longer than two years or you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are under 18, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have a medical condition that affects your driving. The cost is $27 and the process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of Texas residency. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your new address.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times at dps.texas.gov. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents You Will Need
Every renewal method requires proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents for identity include your current or expired Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, birth certificate, or permanent resident card. Acceptable documents for residency include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail showing your name and current address.
If you are changing your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a recent document showing your new address. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may need a statement from your doctor.
What Happens After You Renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license will arrive by mail within the same timeframe.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address at a DPS office or online, and the DPS will mail your license to your new address. Do not open mail addressed to you at your old address and forward it — contact the DPS directly to update your mailing address.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is attempting online or mail renewal when your license has been expired for more than two years. If this applies to you, you must renew in person — the DPS will not process an online or mail process. Another common mistake is forgetting to include proof of residency with a mail renewal process, which will delay your renewal by weeks.
If you are changing your name, do not assume the DPS has your marriage certificate or divorce decree on file. You must bring a certified copy with you or include it with your mail process. If you are renewing in person and do not have all required documents, the DPS office will not process your renewal that day and you will have to return with the missing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency. The DPS treats this as a new process rather than a renewal, so the process may take longer.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you cannot get your license faster — you will have to wait for it to arrive by mail. If you need a license urgently, renew in person at a DPS office.
Do I have to renew in person if I changed my address?
Yes, you must renew in person if you need to change your address. You cannot change your address through online or mail renewal. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, along with your current license and proof of identity.
How much does it cost to renew my Texas driver's license?
Online and mail renewal both cost $16. In-person renewal costs $27. These fees are for an eight-year renewal. If you are renewing early or have other circumstances, the fee may differ — ask at the DPS office or check the website.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If you lost your license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. The DPS will issue you a replacement license on the spot.