How to Renew Your Driver's License in Texas

Renew Your Texas 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 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 must renew before your license expires, and Texas allows you to start the process up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been since you last renewed, and whether you need to update your address or other information. A standard five-year license costs less to renew online than at an office, and you receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is when ready but requires a trip to a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the cheapest and fastest option for most drivers, costing less than in-person renewal and delivering your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you do not need to change your address or other personal information.
Mail renewal is available if you are 65 or older, have a disability that prevents you from visiting an office, or meet other specific conditions; it takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you receive your new license when ready.
Texas licenses expire on your birthday, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before that date.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records and ask you to confirm your address and other details. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

Online renewal costs $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the process. After you submit, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. If you moved recently and updated your address through the Texas DPS, your new license goes to that address. If you have not updated your address yet, the license goes to your old address, and you will need to contact the DPS to request a replacement sent to the correct location.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you renewed online within the past two years, if you need to change your address or name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if you hold a commercial driver's license. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mail Renewal for Drivers 65 and Older or With Disabilities

Texas allows mail renewal for drivers who are 65 or older, drivers with certain disabilities, and drivers who are unable to visit a DPS office for other documented reasons. To renew by mail, contact your local DPS office or call 1-888-589-6789 to request a renewal process packet. The DPS will mail you the forms you need to complete and return.

Fill out the process, include a copy of your current license, and mail everything back to the address provided in the packet. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—$16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Do not send cash. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order received, and your new license arrives in two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DPS office in person instead.

Mail renewal is not available for drivers who need to change their address, name, or other personal information on the license. If you need to update any details, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office

Visit any Texas DPS office to renew your license in person. Bring your current license, one form of acceptable ID (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the original Social Security card—you only need to provide the number.

The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is ready to pick up when ready, or the office can mail it to you if you prefer. In-person renewal costs $16 for a five-year license, $32 for an eight-year license, or $48 for a REAL ID-compliant license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and on Fridays. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the week or in the afternoon. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What to Do If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired, you cannot renew it—you must reissue it. Reissuance requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and costs more than renewal. You will need to bring the same documents as for in-person renewal: your expired license, one form of acceptable ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number.

The DPS treats an expired license as a new issuance rather than a renewal, so the process takes longer and costs more. Bring all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your driving history. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a written driving test or vision test in addition to the standard reissuance process. Check with your local DPS office about their specific requirements for licenses expired longer than two years.

REAL ID Compliance and License Types

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $16 for five years or $32 for eight years. A REAL ID license costs $48 for five years or $96 for eight years. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, and it displays a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you renewed your license before 2020, it is likely a standard license. When you renew, you can choose to upgrade to a REAL ID license by paying the higher fee and bringing additional documents that prove your identity and citizenship. You need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of address. If you do not upgrade during renewal, your standard license remains valid for driving within Texas and for other purposes that do not require REAL ID compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it expires, you cannot renew online or by mail—you must visit a DPS office for reissuance, which costs more and takes longer. Start the renewal process at least two weeks before your expiration date to allow time for mail delivery or office visits.

Do not assume your address is current in the DPS system. If you moved and have not updated your address with the DPS, your renewed license will be mailed to your old address. Update your address through the online system or at a DPS office before you renew. If you already renewed and the license went to the wrong address, contact the DPS when ready to request a replacement sent to the correct location.

Do not attempt to renew online if you have changed your name or address. The online system will reject your process if your information does not match DPS records exactly. If you need to update any personal information, renew in person at a DPS office instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal through the DPS takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive your new license the same day at the office, or you can request it be mailed to you instead.

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. Renew before your expiration date, not after. If your license has already expired, you must visit a DPS office for reissuance before you can drive again.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. Visit a DPS office in person and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, proof of address, and Social Security number. The office will issue a new license with the same expiration date as your original license would have had.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, if you renew in person at a DPS office. The office takes a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license, so you do not need to provide a new one.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to understand the reason and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

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.