Texas License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Texas
You renew your license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Your license is good for up to 8 years. This applies if you are age 18 to 84. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DPS renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DPS office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- By phone — call the DPS to renew by phone.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the Texas DPS website. Make sure you went in person last time. You must be age 18 to 79.
- Start the renewal — Open the Texas DPS online portal. Enter your license number and last 4 of your SSN.
- Verify your information — Check your name and address. Update if needed.
- Pay the fee — Pay $33 by credit or debit card.
- Receive your license — Print your temp license. Your new card arrives by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Texas Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $33 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $11 |
| Motorcycle endorsement (Class M) | $16 |
| Name or address change | $11 |
| Senior renewal (age 85+, 2-year) | $9 |
| Valid for | 8 years |
You pay $33 for an 8-year license. Drivers 85+ pay $9 for a 2-year license.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Texas driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- TX residency docs (two needed for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 2 years
- You renewed in person last time. You must alternate.
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You are between 18 and 79 years old
Every other renewal must be in person. You can't renew online twice in a row.
Go to DPS online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Texas License Expires
Texas has no formal grace period. But there is no late fee for late renewal.
- Before expiry — Up to 2 years before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 2 years after expiry. No exams needed.
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 2 years? You must apply as a new driver. You retake the written exam and driving test.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Texas. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. Online renewals use a self-certified vision form.
- In-person visits — Every other renewal must be in person. You can't renew online twice in a row.
- Wait time — Online renewals take 1 to 3 business days. Your new card arrives by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Texas License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not alternating between online and in-person renewal
Texas makes you alternate methods. Renewed online or by phone last time? Go in person next. Many drivers try online twice in a row and get rejected.
Waiting until the last minute at a DPS office
DPS offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays. Go mid-week for shorter waits. Book online ahead of time.
Forgetting about the vision requirement after age 79
Drivers 79+ must renew in person. They must pass a vision test. Phone and online renewal are not allowed.
Not bringing the correct documents for a REAL ID upgrade
For a first-time REAL ID, bring your passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of TX residency. Many drivers show up without the right papers and get turned away.
Overlooking the 2-year expiration cutoff
You can renew within 2 years of expiry with no extra penalty. After 2 years, you must apply as a new driver. That means retaking the written and driving tests.
REAL ID Info for Texas
Texas has issued REAL ID by default since 2016. Look for the gold star in the upper right corner. No star? Bring ID and residency docs to your next in-person renewal.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Drivers 85 and older get a 2-year license for $9. They must renew in person.
What Makes Texas Different
You can renew up to 2 years early. This is one of the widest windows in the U.S.
You can renew by phone at 1-866-357-3639. Few states offer this.
Texas issues 8-year licenses. That is one of the longest periods in the U.S.