Renewing Your License

Basic Renewal Facts

In Texas, your driver's license is valid for six years, at which point you must renew it. If you're 85 years or older, your license is good for two years, and you must pass a vision test to renew.

Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal

For most people, online renewal is the best option. This process works only for Class C (standard) and Class CM (standard with motorcycle) driver licenses. Holders of Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses must renew their CDLs in person at a driver license office.

Other restrictions include:

• Drivers under 18 are not eligible to use the automated system. They must go in person to renew their licenses or permits until their next birthday for a $5 fee.

• Anyone age 79 years or older may not renew electronically.

• Drivers who previously renewed their license online must do so in person this time.

• Anyone who has experienced a change in vision or developed any physical or mental condition that could affect their driving should not use the automated system.

• Anyone who has outstanding warrants or traffic tickets, or who is under a driver license restriction or suspension, will not be processed online (the system checks your status automatically).

If you have any questions, you may contact customer service at the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at (512) 424-2600 or by e-mail at customerservicedl@txdps.state.tx.us.

When writing, you are asked to include your license number, date of birth, and full name. However, you may prefer calling instead of sending this much private information over the Internet.

Online Renewal

As long as your previous renewal was conducted in person at a driver license office, then you may easily complete this renewal online using the state's Driver License and ID Card Online Services System.

To take advantage of this convenient system, you will need the following:

• Your current, unexpired driver license. For ordinary driver license renewals, you will need to provide your eight-digit driver license number, your birthdate, and the 11-digit audit number printed sideways along the edge of your photograph.

• Your Social Security number, which must match the one already on file with the Driver License Division.

• Your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card. The fee to renew your license online is $25―the $24 standard renewal fee plus a $1 convenience charge for using the online service.

Other Renewal Methods

Of course, you may always simply go to your local driver license office to renew your license. You can pick up the necessary form there, and the renewal fee will be $24. Be sure to bring along your current driver's license.

Better yet, skip the trip and renew by phone if you're eligible. To find out, call (866) DL-RENEW (866-357-3639). You might also be able to renew by mail; your renewal notice will specify whether this is an option.

Renewals are accepted within one year of the expiration date, so if it is more convenient for you to renew early, you can. Most renewals are processed within 15-20 business days.

Out-of-State Renewals

If you are living outside of Texas but still want to renew your Texas driver license, you may request that an out-of-state renewal packet be sent to you. You may do this by e-mailing your name, driver license number, and present mailing address to license.issuance@txdps.state.tx.us. You may also call the Texas Driver License Division at (512) 424-2600 to make this request.

This packet includes the necessary information and forms for both military and nonmilitary out-of-state renewals. It's a good idea to allow extra time for the packet to be sent to you and your renewal application to be processed once you return it by mail.