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In Texas, driver’s license renewal procedures are managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which oversees most driver services in the state. Texas drivers can choose to complete a DMV license renewal in multiple methods, including online, phone and mail submission options. The basic eligibility criteria for the renewal of a TN license is the same regardless of the method the request is submitted. Drivers submitting applications in some formats, like by phone or online, must meet additional requirements.

Many driver choose to renew a driver’s license online in Texas in hopes of having the fastest application processing times. Applications submitted in-person can also be processed in a speedy manner. All applications for a license renewal in Texas must be accompanied by the necessary application fee for the necessary processing to occur. Texas residents who are active duty in the military and currently stationed outside of Texas are able to renew licenses as well.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Texas

All applicants eligible for a renewal can visit a Texas driver’s license office to submit their complete application packet, while additional eligibility requirements apply to other submission methods. Eligibility requirements are the same regardless of where an applicant submits a request. All applicants for a license renewal must have proof of meeting the following criteria:

• U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S.
• Primary, secondary, or supporting document as proof of identity
• Social Security Number or equivalent for non-citizens
• Texas Residency
• Pass an eye exam, if applicable
• Pay the appropriate renewal application fee

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Texas

Texas drivers who have an expired driver’s license may not be able to renew their documents, unless it has been less than two years since the expiration date. Drivers who are 79 years of age or older are required to apply for a renewal in-person at a local DPS location. Some additional eligibility requirements apply to those submitting an application online and by phone, such as a new photo for your license or other documents.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Texas?

In Texas, drivers can choose to submit a request for a driver’s license renewal up to two years before the document’s expiration date. TX drivers can even renew a license two years after its expiration date by submitting an application packet in-person.

Texas DMV License Renewal Options

Where can I renew my driver’s license in Texas? In Texas, drivers may be eligible to submit a renewal request in person, by mail, by telephone and online. All applications submitted by any of the aforementioned methods must include the information required to complete each method. You can learn more about this, below.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

The most recommended methods for submitting a drivers license renewal form in Texas is through the state’s web portal or over the phone. Renewing a driver’s license online in Texas can be done in a few simple steps for drivers who meet the additional eligibility requirements. In addition to the basic eligibility criteria mentioned previously, TX drivers must fall into the following categories in order to be eligible to renew online:

• Have renewed their driver’s license in-person during the previous cycle.
• Have a Class C, M or CM driver license. Class A, Class B and commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online. Provisional licenses and permits cannot be renewed online either.
• Be between 18 and 79 years of age.
• Have more or less the same level of physical, visual and mental health that enables you to drive as the last time you renewed.
• Have a valid license that has not been suspended or revoked.
• Have not outstanding traffic or parking tickets or warrants for your arrest.

The cost to renew a license online in TX is usually the same as it is for submitting the request in any other format, though an additional processing fee may be charged. Texas drivers who would like to submit a DMV license renewal request can take the following steps:

1. Head to the TX DPS web portal.
2. Create your profile and log in. Complete the application and upload the necessary supporting information.
3. Pay the application fee by a valid credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express only).
4. Submit your application.
5. Print your temporary license while you wait to receive your renewed license in the mail.

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

Drivers registered in Texas should receive a driver’s license renewal notice in the mail with detailed instructions on how and where they can submit a renewal request by mail. Applicants submitting their request by mail should make sure to include the following material:

• A completed application form, for in-state or out-of-state Texas residents
• Proof of Texas Residency
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
• The appropriate replacement fee by check or money order made payable to the Texas DPS

Like other methods of submission, drivers applying for a DMV license renewal by mail can submit a request up to two years before the document’s expiration date. Drivers can take the following steps to submit their applications by mail in Texas:

1. Gather the necessary supporting material in acceptable formats.
2. Print or pick up the Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card OR the Application for Out of State/Country Renewal/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card, whichever is applicable. Complete, sign and date your form.
3. Write a check or money order out to the Texas DPS.
4. Package the application, supporting material, application fee and envelope and mail it to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

All Texas drivers can visit a nearby driver’s license office to renew their license in-person with the help of a representative. Drivers wondering what you need to renew a driver’s license in-person should know that the same basic material is needed for this submission method as for the other available submission methods. Some drivers may not meet all of the eligibility criteria necessary to submit a renewal request online or by phone and are required to apply in-person.

Applicants who meet Texas driver’s license renewal requirements and who are within the necessary time frame to submit a renewal application can do so at a number of DPS licensing agencies found across the state. Applicants submitting a request by mail can take the following steps:

1. Locate your nearest DPS licensing authority. You may be able to schedule an appointment, so look into the specific policies of your location. Check to see what counts as an acceptable payment method at your agency.
2. Gather the necessary supporting material in acceptable formats, including proofs of your U.S. citizenship, SSN and Texas residency.
3. Print or pick up the renewal application form, then complete, sign and date it.
4. Head to your nearest TX DPS location. Submit the application packet and necessary processing fee.
5. Pass the vision exam.
6. Provide your thumbprint.
7. Have your picture taken.
8. Get your temporary renewed license and wait to receive your permanent card in the mail.

How to Renew Your Drivers License by Phone

The driving license renewal fee and eligibility requirements for ordering a renewed license over the phone are the same as those for submitting a request online. To submit a driver’s license renewal form over the phone, TX drivers must be between 18 and 79 years of age and be in the possession of a valid Class C, M or CM license to be eligible. In addition, they should have their SSN and a valid credit card ready to complete the process when applying by phone. Drivers who choose to renew over the phone can take the following steps:

1. Gather the necessary supporting material, including your current driver’s license and SSN.
2. Prepare a valid credit card to pay the application fee.
3. Call the Texas DPS at 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-866-357-3639).
4. Walk through the application with a representative. Unfortunately, no receipt or temporary license can be issued by phone.
5. Once completed, wait to receive your renewed driver’s license in the mail.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Texas

Military personnel stationed out-of-state can complete a driver’s license renewal by mail by submitting additional pieces of supporting information. Military personnel and their families are the only drivers who can qualify to renew their licenses even if they have been expired for more than two years. Along with the basic application material already mentioned several times, military personnel and their families need to make sure they include the following paperwork with their DMV license renewal request:

• A completed Application for Out of State/Country Renewal/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card form.
• A color, front and back photocopy of your Military Identification Card. Federal law permits copying your Military Identification Card when you are providing it to a governmental entity.
• Your signature on a blank piece of paper, in black ink.
• A certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of residency in Texas and your SSN.
• Proof of passing an eye exam.
• A completed Exemption Certificate, if renewing a Class A or B non-commercial license.

Texas REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Driver’s licenses and Identification Documents issued by Texas driver’s license offices adhere to federal REAL ID laws and are therefore acceptable at federal locations around the country. All documents issued in Texas will be REAL ID compliant by 2020.

Texas Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much it costs to renew a driver’s license in Texas depends on the category that the applying driver falls into. The most common processing fees for renewal requests include:

• Renewal of driver license (with or without changing address): $25
• Renewal of driver license for drivers 85 years of age or older: $9
• Renewal of ID (with or without changing address): $16
• Renewal of driver license with motorcycle (with or without changing address): $33
• Renewal of driver license for disabled veterans: Free
• Renewal of Occupational Driver License: $10 per year

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