What You Need to Do for a Texas Driver License Renewal, Replacement, or Change
Texas groups three separate transactions under one form: the DL-43, which handles renewals (your license is expiring), replacements (your license is lost, stolen, or damaged), and changes (you moved, changed your name, or need to correct information). The process and documents you bring depend on which one you need. You can complete any of these at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, or you can renew online if you meet specific conditions. Replacements and changes always require an in-person visit.
The state charges different fees for each transaction. A standard renewal costs one amount; a replacement costs another; a change of address or name carries its own fee. If you are doing more than one transaction at once — for example, renewing and changing your address — you may pay both fees. Knowing which category your situation falls into before you go saves time and prevents you from bringing the wrong documents.
Key Takeaways
- Renewals can be done online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last license was issued.
- Replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require an in-person visit and a police report number if your license was stolen.
- Changes of address, name, or other information require an in-person visit and documents proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill for address).
- You must bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency to any in-person transaction.
- Processing times vary: online renewals take 7 to 10 business days; in-person transactions typically take 20 to 30 days for the new license to arrive by mail.
Online Renewal: When You Can Use It
An online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest route if your situation qualifies. You can renew online only if all of the following are true: your current license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, your address has not changed since your last license was issued, and your license was not suspended or revoked. If any of these do not explore, you must go in person.
The online process takes about 15 minutes. You will need your current Texas driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Texas charges a fee for online renewal; the amount depends on the length of your new license (typically 4, 6, or 8 years). After you submit, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Plan for 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery.
Online renewal does not work if you are also changing your address, name, or other information. If you need to make any change at the same time, you must visit a DPS office in person and handle both the renewal and the change together.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
If you cannot renew online, you will visit a Texas DPS office. Bring your current driver license, proof of identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If you are also changing your address or name, bring the documents that prove the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, a utility bill or lease for an address change.
At the office, you will complete the DL-43 form (the staff can provide it or you can bring one you have already filled out). You will have your photo taken and your signature captured. The fee for a standard renewal depends on the license length you choose. The state will mail your new license to your address on file; expect 20 to 30 days for delivery. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Texas DPS offices operate by appointment in most locations. You can schedule online through the Texas DPS website or call your local office. Walk-ins are accepted in some offices but may have longer wait times. Check your local office's hours and appointment availability before you go.
Replacement for a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your proof of identity and proof of Texas residency (the same documents as a renewal). If your license was stolen, you will also need a police report number. You can obtain this by filing a report with your local police department or sheriff's office; many departments allow you to file online or by phone and will give you a report number when ready.
Complete the DL-43 form at the office. The staff will take a new photo and signature. The fee for a replacement is typically lower than a renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 20 to 30 days. If your license was damaged but still readable, bring it with you; the staff may be able to process the replacement faster.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent license in the mail.
Changes to Your Address, Name, or Other Information
If you have moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you must visit a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and documents proving the change. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 90 days showing your new address.
You can combine a change with a renewal at the same visit. If your license is not expiring soon, you can make the change alone without renewing. Either way, you will complete the DL-43 form, have a new photo taken, and pay the appropriate fee. If you are only changing your address or name (not renewing), the fee is lower than a renewal fee.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you are changing your address, make sure the address you give at the DPS office is correct — that is where your new license will be sent. Plan for 20 to 30 days for delivery.
Documents You Must Bring: A Checklist
The documents you bring depend on your transaction type, but some are required for all of them. Below is what you need for each situation.
| Transaction Type | Required Documents | Additional Documents if Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal (in-person) | Current driver license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency | Marriage certificate or divorce decree if changing name; utility bill or lease if changing address |
| Replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged) | Proof of identity, proof of Texas residency | Police report number if stolen |
| Address change | Current driver license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days | None |
| Name change | Current driver license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or certain other government-issued documents. Check the Texas DPS website for the full list.
Proof of Texas residency must be dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank or credit card statement, government check, or similar document showing your name and current address.
Fees and Processing Times
Texas driver license fees vary by transaction type and license length. A standard renewal for a 4-year license costs less than an 8-year license. A replacement typically costs less than a renewal. A change of address or name alone costs less than either. Online renewal fees are the same as in-person renewal fees.
Processing times also vary. Online renewals take 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. In-person transactions — whether renewal, replacement, or change — take 20 to 30 days for the new license to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office; this is valid for a limited period and is free.
You can check the status of your license process online through the Texas DPS website if you have your process number. This number is provided when you submit an online renewal or when you leave a DPS office after an in-person transaction.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting an online renewal when you do not may have access to. If your address has changed, your license has medical restrictions, or your license is already expired, you cannot use the online system. Trying to renew online in these situations will fail, and you will have to start over with an in-person visit. Check your may be able to access before you begin.
Another frequent error is bringing incomplete documents. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days — an older utility bill will not work. If you are changing your name, a marriage certificate or divorce decree must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. If your license was stolen, you must have the police report number before you go to the DPS office; you cannot file the report at the office itself.
A third mistake is not scheduling an appointment. Many Texas DPS offices require appointments, and walk-in wait times can be several hours. Check your local office's website or call ahead to see if an appointment is needed and to find available times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot use the online renewal system if your license is expired. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of identity and proof of Texas residency. You can still drive on an expired license for a short grace period in Texas, but check the current rules or call your local DPS office to confirm how long you have.
What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?
You will need to visit a DPS office in person. Bring your out-of-state license (or your expired Texas license if you still have it), proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency. This is treated as a new license process, not a renewal, so the fee may be different. Bring documents showing your new Texas address dated within the last 90 days.
How long does a temporary paper license last?
A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for a limited time — typically 30 to 45 days, though the exact period can vary. It allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary license is free and is issued on the spot when you complete your transaction.
Can I change my address online without renewing my license?
No, address changes must be done in person at a DPS office. You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. Visit an office with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your new Texas residency. You will pay a fee for the address change; if your license is not expiring soon, this fee is lower than a renewal fee.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?
Bring the documents that show your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will use these to update your license. If you have multiple name changes (for example, you were married, divorced, and married again), bring all the relevant documents in order. The staff will help you sort through them.