What documents to bring to the DPS office
To renew your Texas driver's license in person, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited list of documents for each category, so bringing the wrong papers will delay your renewal.
For proof of identity, bring your current Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If your current license is expired, it still counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a school ID plus a bank statement with your name on it — but this takes longer and the DPS office will tell you on the spot if your combination works.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your current Texas address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works. You need only one document.
Bring your Social Security number — you can write it on a piece of paper if you do not have your card. The DPS will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring one proof of identity (current license, passport, or birth certificate), one proof of residency dated within 60 days (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet age and vision requirements, or online through the DPS website if you renewed online within the last 10 years.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office or online.
- Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail or online, or you can walk out the same day if you renew in person.
- If your license is suspended, expired for more than two years, or you have a medical condition affecting your vision or ability to drive, you must renew in person and may need additional documents.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
You can renew by mail if your current license is not suspended, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and your vision meets Texas standards. You do not need to visit a DPS office.
Mail your current license, a completed DL-44 form (the renewal process), proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the DPS website. Include a copy of your proof of residency — do not send the original. The DPS will mail your new license back to you within 1 to 2 weeks after they receive your packet.
If your address has changed, you must include a new proof of residency document. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the mail route and must go in person.
Renewing online through the DPS website
The Texas DPS allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if you renewed online within the last 10 years, your license is not suspended, you are between 18 and 84, and your vision meets state standards.
Go to the DPS website, select "Online Services," and follow the prompts to renew. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file within 1 to 2 weeks. Online renewal costs the same as in-person or mail renewal.
If you have never renewed online before, or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A five-year Texas driver's license costs $61 to renew. An eight-year license costs $123. These are the standard fees as of now, though the DPS can adjust them — check the DPS website to confirm the current amount before you go.
At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. By mail, send a check or money order. Online, use a debit or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
When you must renew in person
Some situations require you to renew at a DPS office instead of by mail or online. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot use the mail or online routes. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person.
If you are over 85 years old, you must renew in person every two years and pass a vision test. If you have a medical condition that affects your vision or your ability to drive safely, the DPS may require you to renew in person and provide a medical report from your doctor.
If you are changing your name or gender marker on your license, you must go in person and bring supporting documents — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a court order or updated birth certificate for a gender marker change.
What to expect at the DPS office
Arrive with all your documents and be ready to wait. DPS offices do not take appointments in most locations, so you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Some offices are busier on certain days — the DPS website shows wait times for your local office.
At the window, a staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and may ask you to read an eye chart to confirm your vision meets the standard. You will sign your new license and pay the fee. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you walk out with it the same day.
Bring all your documents in originals, not copies, except for proof of residency — you can bring a copy of that. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but the rules depend on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test.
What if I lost my current license and do not have it to bring?
You can still renew in person by bringing other proof of identity instead — a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. Tell the DPS staff that your license is lost; they will not charge you an extra fee to replace it during renewal.
Do I need an appointment at the DPS office?
Most DPS offices do not take appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew by mail?
The DPS mails your new license within 1 to 2 weeks after they receive your renewal packet. Mail delivery adds another few days, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DPS office and you will have it the same day.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You must bring a new proof of residency document showing your current address, dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of this document with your process. If you are renewing in person or online, the DPS will update your address on file during the renewal.