Texas driver's license renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail or happens the same day in person at a DPS office

You can renew your Texas driver's license three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes the same day if you arrive early and bring the right documents. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Your license expires on your birthday. Texas sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions listed on it, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Mail renewal uses the renewal notice Texas sends you — don't throw it away — plus a check or money order for the renewal fee.
  • The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $123 for an eight-year license; you choose the length when you renew.
  • If your license is expired more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DPS office in person.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions or organ donor status changes to make, and your address is the same as what's on file. If any of those conditions don't explore, you'll be directed to renew in person instead. After you pay the fee online with a debit or credit card, your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas Department of Public Safety website and check their hours. Offices open early — most start at 8 a.m. — and lines move fastest in the first hour. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN.

You'll take a new photo and confirm your information at the counter. If you need to update your address, medical conditions, or organ donor status, tell the clerk before you pay. The fee is $61 for a four-year license or $123 for an eight-year license. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

Texas mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail it to the address on the envelope.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive separately in the mail. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and ask them to mail you a renewal form, or go in person to any DPS office.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order if your name has changed).

A new license costs the same as a renewal and takes the same amount of time. You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic license in 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and license length

A four-year license costs $61 and an eight-year license costs $123. You choose which one when you renew. Most people choose the eight-year license because the cost per year is lower, but the four-year option is available if you prefer to renew more often. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you're over 85 years old, your license is valid for five years and costs $25. If you're a commercial driver, renewal rules are different — contact the DPS for details.

Address changes and other updates

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). When you renew by mail, write your new address on the renewal form and include proof of residency.

If you need to add or remove medical restrictions, change your organ donor status, or update your emergency contact, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal do not allow these changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Texas will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it. You can start the renewal process whenever you want during that one-year window.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

After you renew online or in person, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — 2 to 3 weeks from the day the DPS receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and ask them to mail you a renewal form. You can also go in person to any DPS office and renew there. You don't need the original notice to renew.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most DPS offices do not require appointments for renewal. You can walk in during business hours. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office's hours and any current wait times. Arriving early in the morning usually means shorter lines.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring proof of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you renew in person. Mail and online renewal cannot process name changes — you must go to a DPS office.