Renewing Your Texas Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Texas driver's license through three routes: online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and costs less than renewing in person. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address on file is current. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew in person.
Your license is valid for six years in Texas. The DPS 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 takes about 10 minutes, costs $25, and is the fastest option if your license has no restrictions.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expiring more than two years from now and you have no medical conditions or suspensions.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment, takes 15 to 30 minutes, and costs $33 for a standard six-year license.
- You will need your current Texas license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address online before you can renew by mail.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" under the services menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address and emergency contact details.
After you review your information, you will pay the $25 renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The system will email you a receipt and a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or pass a test.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. It is also not available if you have medical restrictions, if you need to change your name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is available only if your license expires more than 60 days from now and fewer than two years from now. You cannot renew by mail if you have any medical conditions, suspensions, or revocations on your record. To start, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and request a mail renewal form, or read the form from the DPS website.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25. Include a copy of your current license (front and back) and a copy of a document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
If your address on file is outdated, you cannot use mail renewal. You must update your address online or in person before you can mail in a renewal form. This extra step prevents your new license from being mailed to an address where you no longer live.
Renewing In Person at a DPS Office
Visit a DPS driver license office in your county to renew in person. You must make an appointment through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov — walk-ins are not accepted. Select your county, choose a location, and pick an available time slot. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks.
Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
At your appointment, a DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. The visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay $33 for a standard six-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your physical license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired or Suspended
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact your local DPS office to schedule an appointment for a new license process.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a traffic violation. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can update it online before you renew. Go to the DPS website, select "Change Address," and enter your license number and Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready and you can then renew online or by mail.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name. This cannot be done online or by mail because the DPS needs to verify the legal document in person.
Costs and Timeline for Each Method
| Method | Cost | Time to Receive License | Appointment Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $25 | 7–10 business days | No |
| $25 | 4–6 weeks | No | |
| In Person | $33 | 7–10 business days | Yes |
Online renewal is the least expensive and fastest option if you are may be able to access. Mail renewal takes longer but costs the same as online. In-person renewal costs $8 more but gives you a temporary license when ready that is valid for 45 days.
Choose online renewal if your license has no restrictions and your address is current — you will have a digital license on your phone within minutes. Choose mail renewal only if you have several weeks before your license expires and want to avoid a trip to the office. Choose in-person renewal if you have a suspension, medical restriction, name change, or expired license, because those situations require a DPS employee to review your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for six months?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test and a driving test at a DPS office.
What if I do not have my Social Security card?
For online renewal, you only need the last four digits of your Social Security number, which you can find on tax documents, bank statements, or your W-2 form. For in-person renewal, bring any document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a tax return or Social Security statement.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you have a medical condition on your record. You must renew in person at a DPS office. A DPS employee will review your medical status and may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor before they issue a new license.
What happens if I renew online but my address changes before my license arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready and update your address online. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address. If your license has already been mailed, you can pick it up at a DPS office or request that it be forwarded to your new address.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, not for online or mail renewal. The DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DPS takes a new photo as part of the process.