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.
- If you need to renew your commercial driver's license, please see our Renewing Your CDL in Texas page.
- If you need to renew your Texas non-driver identification card, please see our Identification Cards in Texas page.
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.
- For more information, please see the complete list of accepted U.S. citizenship and legal presence documents.
- 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:
- A completed:
- Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Packet (Form DL-16P).
- Include your Texas address.
- Exemption Certification for Class A or B Non-CDL Supplement to Texas Driver License Application (Form CDL-2), if you are renewing a Class A or Class B driver's license.
- Explanation for Eye Specialist (Form DL-63), if your last renewal wasn't done in person.
- Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Packet (Form DL-16P).
- Payment for your renewal fee. (See the Renewal Fees in TX section below.)
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."
