The fastest way to renew in Texas
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical disqualifications, and your license has not been expired for more than two years. If you fit those requirements, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired by more than two years, you need to update your address, or you have a suspension on your record—you must visit a DPS driver license office in person. Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number. Walk-in appointments are available, but you can also schedule one online to skip the line.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and has no suspensions or medical holds.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need to change your address, or your license is suspended.
- Bring your current license or ID, proof of where you live, and know your Social Security number for any in-person visit.
- A four-year license costs $16 online or in person; an eight-year license costs $32.
- You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting, or walk in during business hours at any DPS office.
Renewing online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License Online Services." You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your current address. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online—you must visit an office in person instead.
Once you submit the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have any medical conditions that need to be reviewed, or if your license is suspended or revoked. The system will tell you when ready if you are ineligible.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS driver license office by visiting dps.texas.gov and using the office locator tool. You can schedule an appointment online or walk in during business hours. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days; walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and can involve a wait of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day.
Bring your current Texas driver's license or another form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). You will also need proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Have your Social Security number ready. If you are renewing after a suspension or medical hold, bring any documents the DPS letter asked for, such as a medical certificate from your doctor.
At the office, you will take a new photo and answer questions about your health and driving record. The staff will process your renewal on the spot. You can choose to receive your new license by mail (7 to 10 business days) or pay an extra $5 for a temporary paper license to drive when ready while you wait for the plastic card.
When you must renew in person instead of online
Your license expired more than two years ago. Online renewal only works if your license has been expired for 24 months or less. If it has been longer, you must visit a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
You need to change your address. The online system does not allow address changes. If you have moved, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.
Your license is suspended, revoked, or has a medical hold. You cannot renew online if there is any restriction on your driving record. You must visit an office in person, and you may need to provide additional documents—such as proof that you paid a traffic fine, completed a defensive driving course, or obtained medical clearance from your doctor.
You are changing your name. If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
What to bring and what it costs
The cost of renewal depends on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license and whether you renew online or in person. Online renewals cost $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and take 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person renewals cost the same but give you the option to pay an extra $5 for a temporary paper license you can use when ready while waiting for your plastic card.
| Renewal Type | Cost | Processing Time | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (4-year license) | $16 | 7–10 business days by mail | Current license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth |
| Online (8-year license) | $32 | 7–10 business days by mail | Current license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth |
| In person (4-year license) | $16 | Same day (mail) or 5 min (temporary) | Current ID, proof of address, Social Security number |
| In person (8-year license) | $32 | Same day (mail) or 5 min (temporary) | Current ID, proof of address, Social Security number |
| Temporary paper license (in person only) | +$5 | when ready | Issued at time of renewal |
Payment is by debit card or credit card for online renewals. At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing after a suspension or medical hold, there may be additional fees—the DPS letter will specify what you owe.
Proof of residency documents that DPS accepts
Proof of your current address must be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government check or benefit statement. The document must show your name and your current address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. Bring the original or a certified copy of the document—a photo or photocopy alone is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, not online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring your current ID and proof of address to the office.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew in person?
If you choose to receive it by mail, 7 to 10 business days. If you pay an extra $5 for a temporary paper license, you can drive when ready while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your address online. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The office will update your address and issue your new license.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Both are options. You can schedule a free appointment online at dps.texas.gov to avoid waiting, or walk in during business hours. Walk-ins are served first-come, first-served and may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office.
What if my license is suspended?
You cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring any documents the DPS suspension letter asked for, such as proof that you paid a fine or completed a required course. The office staff will tell you what else you need to clear the suspension before you can renew.