How to Renew Your Driver's License in Arlington, Texas

Where to Renew Your Arlington Driver's License

You renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not through Arlington city government. Arlington does not have its own DPS office, so you have three options: visit a DPS office in a nearby city, renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or renew online through the Texas DPS website.

The closest DPS offices to Arlington are in Fort Worth (about 15 minutes away) and Irving (about 20 minutes away). Both handle renewals during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. If you cannot visit in person, the mail and online routes are faster than driving and do not require an appointment.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. Not all situations may have access to for mail or online renewal.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date or up to two years after.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a Fort Worth or Irving DPS office takes about 30 minutes and requires proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your current license.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online Renewal Through the Texas DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not moved or changed your name since your last renewal. You renew through the official Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, if you have changed your address, if you have changed your name, or if you have any medical conditions or restrictions that need to be updated. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: What You Need and How Long It Takes

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. You will also need to include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of your current address.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name and address must match exactly on the document you submit. Mail your completed process and documents to the DPS address listed on Form DL-44. Do not use certified mail or require a signature — standard mail works fine and is cheaper.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office Near Arlington

In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has expired, if you have changed your address or name, or if you need to update medical information or restrictions. The Fort Worth DPS office is located at 1501 W. Abram Street, and the Irving office is at 4949 North MacArthur Boulevard. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation in hours on certain days.

Bring your current driver's license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The renewal process takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your medical history, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Period

Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs $25. An eight-year renewal costs $40. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew starting one year before your birthday and up to two years after it expires. If you renew more than one year early, your new expiration date will be five or eight years from the date you renew, not from your birthday. If you renew after your birthday, your new expiration date will be five or eight years from the date you renew.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact the DPS office for details on the new process process.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

Driving on an expired license in Texas is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed. However, you can still renew your license even after it has expired, as long as it has not been expired for more than two years.

If your license expired recently, renew it as soon as you can. Online renewal is not available once your license is expired, so you must renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal is the fastest option — you can walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. This is a longer process that includes a written test and a driving test. Contact the DPS office for the process requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal

The most common mistake is trying to renew online when your address or name has changed. The online system will reject your process if either has changed, and you will have to start over with a mail or in-person renewal. Check your address and name on your current license before you start the online process.

Another mistake is submitting proof of residency that is too old. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. If you are renewing by mail, make sure your document is recent and that your name and address match exactly.

If you are renewing in person, do not forget to bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. The DPS office cannot process your renewal without it. A driver's license, passport, or birth certificate will work if you do not have your Social Security card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live in Arlington but my address is in another state?

No. Your Texas driver's license must match your current address of residence. If you have moved out of Texas, you need to get a license from your new state. If you have moved to Arlington from another state, you must renew your Texas license with your Arlington address before it expires, or explore for a new Texas license if your out-of-state license is still valid.

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

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you renew in person. You can continue to drive on your current license or the temporary paper license you receive at the office. If you need your new license faster, you cannot expedite it — standard mail is the only option.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement, not a renewal. You can do this in person at a DPS office. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a form of identification. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office in Fort Worth or Irving?

Appointments are not required for driver's license renewals at DPS offices in the Fort Worth and Irving area. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early morning or mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday visits.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can renew it normally.

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.