What to bring when you renew in person
Texas requires you to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Your current license serves as your identity document. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address — it must be dated within the last 30 days. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
You will also need to pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, a standard five-year renewal costs $25, and an eight-year renewal costs $40. Fees can change, so check the DPS website before you go. If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee structure may differ slightly.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 30 days, and proof of your Social Security number to renew in person.
- Texas allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than two years, which is faster than visiting an office.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office rather than online or by mail.
- Vision tests are required at renewal unless you are renewing online, and you may need to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than two years.
- Standard renewal takes five to eight business days by mail and is when ready online if you meet the requirements.
Renewing online versus in person versus by mail
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired more than two years, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $25 for five years or $40 for eight years, and your new license arrives by mail in five to eight business days. You do not need to visit an office or take a vision test.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times. You will take a vision test and have your photo updated. This is required if your address has changed, if your license has been expired more than two years, or if you want to update your photo before the expiration date. Bring the documents listed above plus your payment method.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. You mail your current license, a completed form DL-44, and payment to the DPS. Processing takes two to three weeks. This option is slower than online renewal and offers no advantage over it, so most people choose online instead.
What happens if your license is expired more than two years
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to retake the written test in addition to the vision test. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and payment.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official DPS driver handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Most people pass on the first attempt if they review the handbook for a few hours. You are allowed to miss up to six questions on the 30-question test.
Updating your address or photo during renewal
If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days), proof of Social Security number, and payment. Your new license will show your updated address and a new photo.
If you want to update your photo but have not moved and your license is not expired more than two years, you still must visit an office in person — online and mail renewal do not include photo updates. The vision test and written test are not required if your license is current and not expired more than two years.
Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment
You can find your nearest DPS office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Enter your city or zip code to see locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter wait times than urban ones.
You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which reserves a time slot and usually cuts your wait time in half. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Appointments are free. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use the slot.
Special situations: name changes, vision corrections, and commercial licenses
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person. The vision test and written test are not required if your license is current.
If you wear glasses or contacts and your prescription has changed significantly, you may need to update your license to reflect that you require vision correction. A vision test at the DPS office will determine this. If your current license says you do not require correction and you now do, you must update it.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are stricter. You must renew in person, pass a medical exam, and provide a valid medical certificate. CDLs cannot be renewed online or by mail. Contact your local DPS office for specific requirements.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not bring an expired utility bill or lease as proof of residency — it must be dated within the last 30 days. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement or mortgage statement works. Bank statements are also acceptable.
Do not assume your online renewal will work if your license is close to expiration. Check the DPS website to confirm your license is not expired more than two years and you have not had any address changes. If either is true, you must go in person.
Do not forget to bring payment. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order — do not send cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail in five to eight business days after you complete the online renewal. It is mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office and request a temporary paper license, which you can use when ready while your plastic card is being made.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact DPS or your local court to learn about your license is suspended and how to resolve it.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or 1099?
You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a birth certificate with your number, a tax return, or a bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number. DPS will accept the letter as proof.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Your photo is updated automatically when you renew in person.
What if my address is on my license but I have moved and do not have a new proof of residency yet?
You must bring current proof of residency (dated within 30 days) to renew in person. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address. Some DPS offices will accept this temporarily while you wait for official documents.