License Renewal in Texas

Renewing Your Driver's License in Texas

Before your Texas driver's license expires, you need to renew it with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to continue driving legally. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to renew online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

Texas REAL ID Driver's Licenses

The Texas DPS has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. You can choose to receive EITHER a REAL ID or a non-compliant license upon your renewal—details are outlined below.

When to Renew Your TX Driver's License

Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday. The number of years it is valid for depends on your age.

  • Under 18 years old: Valid until you turn 18 years old.
  • 18 to 84 years old: Valid for 6 years.
  • 85 years old and older: Valid for 2 years.
  • Temporary driver's license: Valid for the duration of your legal stay or 1 year if your legal stay is “duration of status."

Looking for a mailing status update?

If you've already renewed your license and you want to know where it may be, you'll need to contact the DPS for an update—unfortunately, DMV.ORG cannot provide this information for you.

Jump over to our Status Check page and choose your preferred method of contact to get in touch with the proper officials.

If your Texas driver's license is currently valid, you can renew between:

  • 2 years before the expiration date.
    AND
  • 2 years after the expiration date.

Renewal fees vary depending on your age and the type of driver's license you have. Please see Renewal Fees in TX below.

There are different requirements if your driver's license is:

  • Expired.
  • Suspended.
    OR
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged.

See below for details on how to renew for each of these scenarios.

You will receive a temporary driver's license valid for 45 days to use until you receive your new card in the mail in 3 weeks. If you haven't received your renewed license, you can check the status of your order by contacting the TX DPS.

Renewal Options & Instructions

Once you've determined when you can renew your Texas driver's license, you have a few options to renew, depending on your eligibility and circumstances. Renewals can be made either:

  • Online.
  • By phone.
  • By mail.
  • In person.

Upgrading to a REAL ID License?

If you currently have a non-compliant license and want a REAL ID upon renewal, you MUST renew in person.

The Texas DPS will send you a renewal notice to renew online, by mail, or by phone if you meet these criteria. Note that you MUST renew in person if:

  • You're upgrading from a standard license to a REAL ID driver's license.
  • Your last renewal was NOT in person.
  • You have NOT verified your U.S. citizenship or legal U.S. presence with the TX DPS.
  • You're 79 years old or older.
  • You are a minor or hold a provisional driver's license.

Choose your option below for details.

NOTE: If you are out of state when you need to renew, please see the Military & Out-of-State Renewals section below.

Military & Out-of-State Renewals

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

Military members who are stationed or deployed outside of Texas automatically receive a license extension of 90 days AFTER your return to the state or your discharge from the military. If you choose to renew your driver's license in your absence, follow the guide for mail-in renewal below.

Note that your dependents do NOT receive this extension, and will need to renew by mail while you're gone.

To renew your TX driver's license by mail, download the Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Packet (Form DL-16P) and submit the documents included:

Mail the above documents to:

Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714

You will receive your new Texas driver's license in the mail within 45 days.

Military & Veteran Renewal Exemptions

Depending on your circumstances and military status, you may be eligible for certain renewal exemptions for your Texas driver's license.

See the options below for details.

Renewal Fees in TX

It will cost you the following to renew your Texas driver's license*:

  • Under 18 years old: $16.
  • 18 to 84 years old: $33.
  • 85 years old and older: $9.
  • License with motorcycle endorsement: $16 (on top of renewal fee).
  • Motorcycle license: $33.
  • Temporary license (non-U.S. citizens): $33.
  • Disabled military: Free.

*NOTE: Your renewal fee for upgrading to a REAL ID will be the same.

Accepted Forms of Payment

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices accept payment by:

  • Credit card.
  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Money order.

For online and transactions over the phone, only credit and debit cards are accepted.

For transaction by mail, you can pay by check or money order made payable to “Texas DPS."

Forms

DL-16P
Out of State or Out of Country Renewal/Replacement/Change of Texas Driver License or Identification (DL/ID) Card
Submit this form to the Texas DPS if you're eligible to renew your TX driver's license OR identification card while residing out of the state or country.
VOE
Verification of Enrollment and Attendance
Use this form to verify your educational enrollment (if you don't hold a high school diploma) when applying for a Texas learner's permit or driver's license. Valid for those enrolled in home, private, or charter school, GED program, OR higher education.
DL-63
Explanation for Eye Specialist
Complete this form if you failed the Department of Public Safety's eye exam OR require an extensive eye exam when applying for your TX driver's license.
CDL-2
Class A or B Driver License Application Non-CDL Exempt Vehicles
Application for a Class A OR Class B Texas driver's license exempted by the TX Commercial Driver License Act.
DL-14A
Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card
Application for a Texas driver's license OR identification card.
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