Where to Renew and What You Need
You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but not all three options work for every person. Online renewal is the fastest if you're under 85, your license hasn't been suspended, and you don't need to change your address or name. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send documents to the DPS office in Austin. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.
Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to pass a vision test — bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is valid and you haven't had suspensions or name changes.
- Mail renewal requires sending your documents to the DPS office in Austin and takes two to three weeks to receive your new license.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is the only option if your license is expired by more than two years, suspended, or if you need to change your address or name.
- Your Texas driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
- A vision test is required for in-person renewal, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll create an account or log in if you already have one, then answer questions about your current license and personal information. The system will ask you to upload a photo — you can take one with your phone or webcam, but make sure your face is clearly visible, you're looking straight at the camera, and there's no glare on your glasses. The photo must show your head and shoulders against a plain background.
The fee for online renewal is $41 for an eight-year license. You'll pay by credit or debit card during the process. Once you submit, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file — this takes seven to ten business days. If you need your license sooner or want to pick it up in person, you cannot use online renewal.
Renewing by Mail
read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and the date it expires. Make a copy of your current license (both sides), your proof of residency, and your proof of Social Security number. Do not send originals — send copies only.
Mail everything to the DPS office in Austin at the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $41 (made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety") — do not send cash. The DPS will process your renewal in the order it arrives and mail your new license back to you. This usually takes two to three weeks from the day they receive your envelope, but mail delivery itself can add another week on each end. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there's a question about your renewal.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours before you go — some offices close for lunch or have limited evening hours. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your glasses or contacts if you wear them. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot.
When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. The DPS officer will check your documents, take a new photo, and give you a vision test. You'll read lines of letters on a chart from about 20 feet away — if you can't see clearly without your glasses or contacts, tell the officer before the test. You'll pay the $41 fee by cash, check, or card, and the officer will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
If Your License Is Expired or Suspended
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must go to a DPS office in person. The officer will treat it as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs in addition to the vision test. Study the Texas Driver Handbook (available free on the DPS website) before you go.
If your license was suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical issue — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee or provide a medical certificate. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew through any method.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Texas, you can update it during online or mail renewal — just enter your new address in the form. If you've changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The officer will update your name and address at the same time.
If you're moving out of Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license — you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Texas will cancel your license once you obtain one elsewhere.
What Happens After You Renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file — if you've moved, update your address before you renew. If you renewed online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary paper license by email (online) or in the mail (mail renewal) that you can use while you wait for the permanent one. If you renewed in person, the officer gives you a paper temporary license on the spot.
Your new license is valid for eight years from the date it's issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. If you lose your new license before it arrives, contact the DPS when ready — they can cancel the original and reissue it to a different address or hold it for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
If you have unpaid traffic fines, your license may be suspended and you won't be able to renew until you pay them or set up a payment plan. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the status. Once the fine is paid or a plan is in place, the suspension will be cleared and you can renew.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks, though mail delivery can take longer depending on where you live.
What if my address changed but I don't want to update it yet?
You can renew your license with your old address and update it later by visiting a DPS office or using the online address change form on the Texas DPS website. You don't have to change your address at the same time you renew.
Do I need to take the written driving test again if I'm just renewing?
No, you only take the vision test during a standard renewal. You only take the written test if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you're explore for a new license.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes — you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. In-person renewal requires you to visit a DPS office in Texas, so if you've moved out of state permanently, use online or mail renewal before your current license expires.