Renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you renew your driver license three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DPS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you want to update your photo or address.

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is not yet expired and you have not had a name change. By mail works if you are renewing early and meet DPS requirements. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address or other information.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
  • You can renew online only if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name since it was issued.
  • By-mail renewal requires you to submit a completed form DL-44, a check or money order, and a copy of your current license to the DPS address in Austin.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment, a valid form of ID, and proof of residency, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.

Online renewal: fastest if your license is current

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. 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 any other details that need updating.

You cannot use online renewal if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, or if you have a commercial driver license (CDL). If any of these explore to you, skip to the mail or in-person section below.

Once you complete the online form, you will pay by debit or credit card. Texas charges $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. 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.

Mail renewal: works if you renew before expiration

To renew by mail, read or request form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the address where you want your new license mailed. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form DL-44, a copy of your current driver license (front and back), and a check or money order for $16 (four-year) or $32 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. That address is the DPS headquarters in Austin. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope if you want your current license sent back to you.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Mail renewal is not available if your license has expired or if you need a new photo.

In-person renewal: required for expired licenses and photo updates

Visit the Texas DPS website and book an appointment at the DPS office nearest you. You can also call your local office directly to schedule. Bring your current driver license, one form of valid ID (such as a passport or state ID), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

At your appointment, a DPS employee will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will pay the same fee as online or mail renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive until your permanent license arrives. If you need to drive before your appointment, you can renew online if your license is not yet expired.

What to do if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass a written test, a driving test, and an eye exam. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.

Schedule an appointment at your local DPS office and bring all required documents. The DPS website lists what counts as acceptable proof for each category. The process takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more, so plan for a full appointment and bring all documents with you.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid form of ID, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address. You cannot use online or mail renewal for a name change.

If you are only changing your address and your license is not expired, you can renew online or by mail without getting a new photo. If you want a new photo along with your address change, you must renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you plan to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Online and mail renewal both work for early renewal as long as your current license is not expired.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. You will need to go in person to a DPS office with a valid form of ID and proof of residency. The DPS employee can look up your license number in the system and process your renewal.

How long is a Texas driver license valid?

A standard driver license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. You pay $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Commercial driver licenses have different expiration periods and renewal rules.

Can I renew my license if I have a hold on my account?

No. If you have unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or other holds on your driving record, DPS will not process your renewal until the hold is cleared. Contact the agency that placed the hold to resolve it, then attempt your renewal again.

What if my new license arrives with an error?

Contact your local DPS office with your new license and proof of the correct information. DPS will issue a corrected license at no charge if the error was made by the department. Bring documentation (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate) if the error involves your name or date of birth.