The fastest way to renew is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website

You can renew your Texas driver's license online at dps.texas.gov if you meet a few conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $33, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you are over 84, or you need to change your address, medical information, or name, you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through dps.texas.gov works only if your license expired within the last two years and you are between 18 and 84 years old.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs $33 for a standard five-year license.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number for in-person renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, or you can receive it when ready at the office if you renew in person.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If you do not have it, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. You will also need one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days all work.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may need additional paperwork depending on the reason — ask the office when you call to schedule an appointment.

Finding a DPS office or tax assessor-collector near you

Texas has about 130 DPS driver license offices statewide. You can find the one nearest you on dps.texas.gov by entering your city or zip code. Many offices now use an online appointment system; you can book a time slot on the same website rather than waiting in line. Some offices fill up weeks in advance, so check availability before you go.

If the nearest DPS office has no appointments, your county tax assessor-collector office can also renew your license. These offices are usually in the county courthouse or a county building. Call your county assessor-collector directly to ask about wait times and whether they take appointments.

The cost and how long it takes

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $33. If you are 85 or older, a five-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $24. Payment is cash, check, or card at most offices.

If you renew online, your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer a Real ID-compliant license for an extra $16; this is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025, though a passport also works.

Renewing by mail if you cannot go in person

You can renew by mail only if you are 85 or older. Mail your current license, a completed DL-43 form (available on dps.texas.gov), and a check for $16 (five-year) or $24 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.

If you are younger than 85 and cannot visit an office, online renewal is your only option. If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to go in person or wait until you do — there is no other remote method available.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. You can check your license status on dps.texas.gov by entering your license number and date of birth.

If a suspension or revocation is active, contact the agency that issued it — usually the court that handled your case or the Texas Department of Public Safety itself. Once that agency clears the suspension, you can renew normally. Do not attempt to renew before the suspension is lifted; the process will be rejected.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

A standard Texas driver's license will no longer work for federal building access or domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. If you want to fly or enter a federal building without a passport, you need a Real ID-compliant license. When you renew, you can choose to add Real ID compliance for an extra $16.

To get Real ID, you need to bring the same documents as a regular renewal plus one additional document that proves your citizenship or legal residency: a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa. If you do not add Real ID now, you can upgrade your license later at any DPS office for the same $16 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No, you cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address online. You must renew in person at a DPS office or tax assessor-collector office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you renew in person. Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the paper license to drive during that time.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works for federal building access and domestic air travel. You only need a Real ID-compliant driver's license if you want to use your license instead of your passport for those purposes.

What happens if I try to renew online but I do not meet the requirements?

The online system will tell you that you do not meet the requirements and will not let you complete the renewal. You will then need to schedule an in-person appointment at a DPS office or tax assessor-collector office.