Is it time to renew your Texas driver’s license?
You’ve come to the right place!
Here, we’re going to give you all the steps to the Texas driver’s license renewal process.
And you’ll be happy to know that there are so many renewal methods to choose from.
To help you even further, we’re going to answer some frequently asked questions.
This way, you know all you need to know about your license renewal.
So let’s jump right to it!
How to Renew A Driver’s License in Texas
In Texas, you can choose from 4 renewal methods. These are:
- Online
- By Phone
- By Mail
- In-Person
Now, let’s get into the details.
How to Renew Your Texas Driver’s License Online
Renewing your Texas driver’s license online is one of the most convenient ways of getting things done.
However, not everyone is eligible to renew their license this way.
You’ll have to meet the following requirements:
- Your last license renewal was done at a Texas license office.
- Your commercial driver’s license doesn’t have a hazardous material endorsement.
- Your driver’s license either expires in less than two years or has expired for less than two years.
- Your vision, physical, and/or mental abilities have not changed since you previously renewed your license.
- Your medical certificate on file for your commercial license is not expired.
- Your driver’s license is not revoked or suspended.
- You do not have any warrants or unpaid tickets. If you do, you can visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s License Eligibility page.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) was provided the last time you renewed or gained your license.
- You are younger than 79 years old.
- You hold a provisional license and are at least 30 days from turning 18 years old.
If you meet ALL the requirements, that’s GREAT!
You can renew by simply following these steps:
- Create a TxT account.
- Apply for license renewal.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Pay the appropriate renewal fee with a credit or debit card:
- Driver’s license – $33
- ID Card – $16
- Driver’s license with M endorsement – $44
- Commercial license – $97
- Receive your temporary driver’s license and payment receipt through email. You can print this and use it.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive in the mail within 2 to 3 weeks.
How to Renew Your Texas Driver’s License By Phone
If you prefer to renew by phone, then you will need to meet the online eligibility requirements (check above).
For this, simply:
- Call 1-866-DL RENEW (1-866-357-3639).
- Answer any questions asked by the operator.
- Provide the necessary information (name, driver’s license number, last 4 digits of your SSN, and credit card details).
- Get a confirmation number (keep this as it’s important).
- Wait for your driver’s license to arrive via mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Remember, renewing by phone doesn’t give you a temporary driver’s license or payment receipt.
So if you want to do this method, you have to renew it way before your license expires.
How to Renew Your Texas Driver’s License By Mail
Get this.
You can only renew by mail if you receive an ‘invitation to renew by mail’ form.
You must follow all the instructions on the form. This may include:
- Completing the form.
- Making a check or money order for the appropriate fee:
- Driver’s license – $33
- Driver’s license with M endorsement – $44
- Commercial license – $97
- Putting it in an envelope and sending it to the address stated in the form.
- Waiting for your new driver’s license to arrive in the mail.
NOTE: If you receive an ‘invitation to renew by mail’ form, that also means you’re eligible to renew online or by phone. You have a choice.
How to Renew Your Texas Driver’s License In-Person
You can’t avoid in-person renewal.
Even if you can meet all the online eligibility requirements, you’ll have to do in-person renewal every other renewal period.
But don’t fret — the process is very straightforward.
Here are the steps:
- Go through the REAL ID Document Check Application to see what documents you need to bring.
- Gather all the documents you need.
- Check your driver’s license status for warrants or unpaid tickets on the License Eligibility page.
- Download and complete Form DL-14A (you can find the form here)
- Schedule an appointment at a driver’s license office.
- Submit these at the office:
- The completed Form DL-14A
- Proof of US citizenship or evidence of lawful presence
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Any other document from the checklist
- Write your signature, provide thumbprints, and have your picture taken.
- Pay the appropriate fee:
- Driver’s license – $33
- Driver’s license (85+ years old) – $9
- ID Card – $16
- ID Card (60+ years old) – $6
- Driver’s license with M endorsement – $44
- Commercial license – $97
- Commercial license (with hazardous material endorsement) – $61
- Commercial license (85+ years old) – $26
- Commercial license with M endorsement – additional $8
- Pass a vision screening.
- Receive your new Texas driver’s license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Driver’s License Renewal
What Do I Need to Renew My Driver’s License in Texas
To renew your driver’s license in Texas, you’ll need:
- A valid driver’s license or one that hasn’t been suspended or revoked
- A Social Security Number
- Evidence of US citizenship or lawful presence
- Proof of identity
You can also go through Texas’s REAL ID Document Check Application for other documents you need to bring.
Can I Renew My Texas Driver’s License Without an Appointment?
It depends on the driver’s license office you go to.
Some offices accept walk-ins.
Other offices require online scheduling.
However, we suggest that you always schedule an appointment for a quicker process. You won’t have to wait in line if you do.
You can easily schedule an appointment here.
But if you meet the requirements for online, phone, or mail renewal, then you’ll be able to renew your driver’s license without having to make an appointment.
How Long Do You Have to Renew a Texas Driver’s License After it Expires?
You can still renew your driver’s license if it has expired for less than 2 years. However, you may have to pay a penalty fee.
If your license has expired for more than 2 years, you have to apply for a new one.
Why Can’t I Renew My License Online in Texas?
The State of Texas has a long list of eligibility requirements for online, phone, and mail renewal.
If you can’t meet one of the requirements, then you’ll have to renew in person.
Here is a reminder of the eligibility requirements:
- Your last license renewal was done at a Texas license office.
- Your commercial driver’s license doesn’t have a hazardous material endorsement.
- Your driver’s license either expires in less than two years or has expired for less than two years.
- Your vision, physical, and/or mental abilities have not changed since you previously renewed your license.
- Your medical certificate on file for your commercial license is not expired.
- Your driver’s license is not revoked or suspended.
- You do not have any warrants or unpaid tickets. If you do, you can visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s License Eligibility page.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) was provided the last time you renewed or gained your license.
- You are younger than 79 years old.
- You hold a provisional license and are at least 30 days from turning 18 years old.
How Much Does it Cost to Renew Your Driver’s License in Texas?
The driver’s license renewal cost will vary.
Here is a table showing you all the renewal fees:
| License Type: | Fee: |
| Driver’s license: | $33 |
| Driver’s license (for 85 and above years old): | $9 |
| ID Card: | $16 |
| ID Card (for 60 and above years old): | $6 |
| Driver’s license with M endorsement: | $44 |
| Commercial license: | $97 |
| Commercial license with H endorsement: | $61 |
| Commercial license (for 85 and above years old): | $26 |
| Commercial license with M endorsement: | $8 (this is in addition to the renewal fee) |
Conclusion
And that is ALL you need to know about the Texas driver’s license renewal process.
You have SO many methods to choose from.
But just make sure that you’re eligible.
Also, no matter how much you want to avoid it, you’ll have to do an in-person renewal someday. Just keep this in mind.
Now that you know all the methods and their steps, don’t delay!
Go and renew your Texas driver’s license today!