Where to renew and what method works for you

You can renew your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes one to two hours on the day you go, but you walk out with a temporary paper license valid when ready.

Not everyone can use online or mail renewal. You must have a valid Texas license that is not suspended or revoked, you cannot have changed your name since your last renewal, and your address on file must be current. If any of those do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes if your license is valid and your name and address have not changed.
  • Mail renewal requires you to fill out Form DL-44, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS address on the form — processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at any DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you receive a temporary license the same day.
  • Your license is still valid for 60 days after it expires, so you do not have to renew on the exact expiration date.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have changed your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must go to a DPS office in person.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

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 show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The system will issue you a confirmation number and tell you when to expect your new license in the mail — usually 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your old license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it will explain why. Common reasons are a name change, address mismatch, or a flag on your record. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal with Form DL-44

read Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and mailing address. Sign the form and include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the form. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and your new license will arrive in the mail two to three weeks after they receive it. Keep your old license until the new one arrives — it remains valid during the processing period.

If you want to track your renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and provide your license number. They can tell you whether your renewal has been received and processed.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours before you go. Bring your current driver license, one document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the physical card — you can provide the number verbally.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The clerk will verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

If you need your license to look a certain way for a job or other reason, in-person renewal is your only option — you can request a new photo during the appointment. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo.

What happens if your license is expired

Your license remains valid for 60 days after the expiration date printed on it. You can drive legally during that 60-day window and renew at any time. After 60 days, your license is no longer valid and you cannot drive until you renew.

If your license has been expired for more than 60 days, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and your Social Security number.

Renewing a license with a name change

If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. The clerk will update your name in the system and issue you a new license with the correct name. This process takes the same amount of time as a regular in-person renewal.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of current address, your Social Security number, and proof of medical certification if your CDL requires it. Some CDL holders must pass a written test or skills test as part of renewal; the DPS will tell you whether you need to when you arrive.

CDL renewal takes longer than regular license renewal because of the additional testing and documentation. Plan for two to three hours at the office. The temporary paper license you receive is valid for 45 days while your permanent CDL is mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change when your next renewal is due — your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not four or eight years from your old expiration date.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

If your address has changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. Go to a DPS office in person with your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. The clerk will update your address and issue a new license.

How long is a temporary paper license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail during that time. If it does not arrive within 45 days, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. The clerk will check your record and tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension before your license can be renewed.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online or by mail. Go to a DPS office in person with proof of your identity (a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your current address. The clerk will issue a replacement license. You will pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee.