How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License: Steps, Fees, and Timelines

Texas Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process

In Texas, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you use depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Texas license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for most drivers, and the fee is $61 for an eight-year license; you pay by credit or debit card during the online process.
You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a new photo, your license was lost or stolen, or you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your process, while online renewal is processed within days.
Your current Texas license must not be expired or suspended, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file with the state.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.

Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest method and requires no visit to a DPS office. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

During the online process, you confirm or update your address, emergency contact information, and organ donor status. You cannot change your name, date of birth, or sex marker online; those changes require an in-person visit. At the end, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Texas charges $61 for a standard eight-year renewal license. Once you submit payment, your process is complete, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your process.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. The Texas DPS mails renewal applications to drivers whose licenses are expiring soon. If you did not receive a renewal form in the mail, you can request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or by visiting a DPS office.

Complete the renewal form, sign it, and include a check or money order for $61 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail the form and payment to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license with your process. Mail processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope, so send it at least six weeks before your license expires.

Keep your current license until you receive the new one. If your renewal is not processed within six weeks, contact the DPS to verify they received your process. Mail can be delayed, and the DPS cannot may provide receipt.

When You Must Renew In Person at a DPS Office

You cannot renew online or by mail if any of the following explore: your address has changed since your last license was issued, you need a new photo, your license was lost or stolen, you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), your license has been expired for more than two years, or your name has changed. In these cases, you must visit a DPS driver's license office in person.

Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it, but you may be asked to sign a statement.

Visit the DPS website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices require you to take a number or make an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait. You will take a new photo at the office, pass a vision test, and pay the $61 renewal fee by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and Payment Methods

The standard renewal fee for a Texas driver's license is $61 for an eight-year license. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is valid for five years, and the fee is $38. Duplicate licenses (if yours was lost or stolen) cost $11 in addition to the renewal fee.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check or money order, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Timeline: How Long Renewal Takes

The time it takes to receive your new license depends on your renewal method. Online renewal is the fastest: your process is processed within one to two business days, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Total time is usually 10 to 14 days from the date you submit your process online.

Mail renewal takes longer because of postal delays. The DPS processes mail applications within four to six weeks of receiving them, not from the date you mail them. If you mail your process six weeks before expiration, it should arrive in time. In-person renewal at a DPS office is processed the same day you visit, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally on your current license as long as your renewal process has been submitted and is being processed. Carry proof of your process (a confirmation email for online renewal, or a receipt for mail renewal) in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires and you have not yet received your new one, you can still drive if your renewal process is pending. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to take a new written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee.

If you miss the renewal window and your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. You will also take the written knowledge test and vision test. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. If you still live in Texas but moved to a new address, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, as long as you update your address during the renewal process.

What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal. The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. A new photo is required if your current license is more than eight years old or if the DPS determines your photo no longer matches your appearance.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue first. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through the normal process.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license (CDL) online or by mail?

No. CDL renewals must be done in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification if required. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and your Social Security card or number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.