Where to renew and what method works for you
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online through the Texas DPS website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Mail renewal is slower but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file with Texas DPS. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you will need to renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available for most standard driver's licenses that expired less than two years ago and do not require a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot use it if your license expired more than two years ago.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial license.
- Your license remains valid for 30 days after you submit an online or mail renewal, even if processing has not finished.
- Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years for most adults, so plan your renewal before the expiration date on your card.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing record. Review your information for accuracy — if anything is wrong, you will need to renew in person instead.
Once you confirm your details, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The fee for a standard eight-year renewal is $33. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and Texas DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Your current license stays valid for 30 days after you submit the renewal, so you can continue driving while you wait. Processing normally takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer during peak periods.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial, motorcycle, or school bus endorsement. You also cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal by sending documents to Texas DPS
Print the mail renewal form from the Texas DPS website (Form DL-44) or request one by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely with your current information. Include your current driver's license or a copy of it, and mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS office that serves your region.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($33 for a standard eight-year license). Do not send cash. Mail your packet to arrive at least three weeks before your license expires, because processing takes two to three weeks after DPS receives it. Your current license remains valid for 30 days after DPS receives your renewal, so you can drive during the processing period.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than two years, you cannot need a new photo, and you cannot be renewing a commercial or motorcycle endorsement. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours before you go — many offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change.
At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your driving record and medical history. The vision test is basic — you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $33, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you are adding or removing endorsements like motorcycle or school bus. You must also renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, or if your name has changed since your last license was issued.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal and are waiting for the new one to arrive. However, your license remains valid for 30 days after you submit an online or mail renewal, so you can legally drive during that window. If you are renewing in person, you receive your new license when ready or within a few days.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days and you have not yet renewed it, you cannot drive legally. You must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available once your license has been expired for more than two years. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine.
License renewal fees and what they cover
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $33 in Texas. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some people renew for a shorter period — a four-year license costs $22 — but most people choose the eight-year option because it is cheaper per year.
The $33 fee covers the license itself and the processing. It does not include any additional services like a duplicate license, a name change, or adding an endorsement. If you need to add a motorcycle endorsement or change your address at the same time as renewal, those services may have separate fees or require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, online and mail renewal are not available. You must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test at the office.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
If you moved within Texas, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. If you moved out of state and are now back in Texas, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new Texas address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Processing normally takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Your current license stays valid for 30 days after you submit the renewal, so you can drive while you wait. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you pay.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, you can renew online or by mail without a new photo if your license has not expired for more than two years. If you want a new photo or if your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What if my Social Security number is not on file with Texas DPS?
You cannot renew online or by mail without a valid Social Security number on file. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring your Social Security card. The office will add your number to your record during the renewal process.