The fastest way to renew your Texas license
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or name changes since your last license was issued.
If you do not meet the online requirements, you will need to renew in person or by mail. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
- In-person renewal requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current license, and you can walk in without an appointment at most DPS offices.
- Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office, though you will need to include your current license and a completed process form.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license 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 state records.
Once verified, you will answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or other personal information. You will also choose whether to keep your current address or update it. The fee is $25 for a five-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card.
After you submit your process, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license office. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current driver's license, one form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days).
Tell the staff member at the window that you are renewing your license. They will take your photo, verify your information, and process your payment. The fee is the same as online: $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though it is not required. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Renewing by mail
read the process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current address and any changes since your last license. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $25 (five years) or $50 (eight years) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed.
The DPS will process your process when it arrives and mail your new license to you. This process takes two to three weeks from receipt. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving while you wait.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, one form of ID, and proof of address.
The DPS treats an expired license that is more than two years old as a new process rather than a renewal, so the process is slightly longer. You will still receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. The fee remains $25 or $50 depending on the term you choose.
Renewing a license with medical restrictions or name changes
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person. The DPS needs to verify that your medical condition has not changed and may require you to pass a vision test or other screening.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must also renew in person and bring a document proving the change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process a name change by mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online if you meet the standard requirements, or you can renew by mail. You cannot renew in person unless you are physically present at a Texas DPS office. Mail renewal is the most practical option for out-of-state residents.
What if I lost my current license?
You will need to replace your license before you can renew it. Go to a DPS office in person and bring your ID and proof of address. The replacement fee is $11. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before that important date. If it does not, contact the DPS to check the status of your process.
Can I choose a different address on my new license?
Yes. Whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, you can update your address at the time of renewal. If you renew online, you will be asked to confirm or change your address during the process. If you renew in person or by mail, tell the staff or write your new address on the process form.
What if the DPS rejects my online renewal process?
The system will tell you why your process was rejected — usually because your license is expired by more than two years, you have a name change, or your information does not match state records. You will then need to renew in person at a DPS office or by mail.