How to Renew Your Texas Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your Texas license through TX DPS. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 8 years

Standard fee $33

Renew early Up to 2 years before expiration

After expiration May renew up to 2 years after expiration; beyond 2 years, cannot renew

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

Eligible if your last renewal was in person, you are a U.S. citizen with SSN on file, under 79, hold a Class C/M/CM license or non-hazmat CDL, the license expires within 2 years or has been expired less than 2 years, with no outstanding warrants/tickets.

Start your online renewal at TX DPS →

Step 2 — Gather your documents

For an in-person renewal, bring:

Your current Texas driver license.
Proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate).
Proof of Texas residency — utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address (most states require two documents).
Social Security card or W-2.
Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, or card — varies by office).

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

TX DPS charges $33 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 8 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Vision exam required at in-person renewal. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Step 5 — Receive your new license

You'll get a temporary paper license at the DMV that's valid for 30-60 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7-14 business days. If your renewal was online, expect 10-21 days mailing time.

REAL ID upgrade in Texas

REAL ID-compliant cards display a star; non-star Texas DLs remain valid for state purposes but not for federal uses like boarding domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Walk-in waits can be 2-4 hours. Book an appointment online at any of Texas's DMV offices.

Find your nearest Texas office

Use our Texas DMV office finder to locate the closest TX DPS location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.

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