Texas Driver’s License Renewal Guide

Texas License Renewal
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The Texas Department of Public Safety requires all 18-84yo drivers must renew their driver’s license every 6 years on their birthday.

Though, some have exceptions depending on their license status like 85 and older (requiring a 2-year renewal). Or, 18 and under needing a renewal when they turn 18.

The renewal opens 2-years before or after the expiration date.

The timeframe provides more than enough time to gather documents and complete the re-registration. You will receive a notice about the renewal. This notice shares what you’ll need to renew, or you can use the following guidelines for a Texas license renewal.

Texas License Renewal Methods

Registration renewal in Texas is available via:

  • In-person
  • Online
  • Phone
  • Mail

Online, phone, and mail renewals are available if the driver has a still-valid license. A license must be renewed in-person if the prior was done through different means.

Note #1: You cannot do a renewal online, by mail, or over-the-phone if you haven’t verified your US citizenship or legal presence in the state of Texas.

Note #2: You must re-register in-person if you are 79 years old or older.

Note #3: You must renew in person if upgrading to a REAL ID

You will receive a temporary 45-day card until the state mails your new license.

How to Renew Your Texas Registration

License re-registration is similar for typical drivers, military members, and non-U.S. citizens.

These are the specifics when registering through the different options:

Renewing Online

Renewing online is the easiest option:

  1. Visit the Texas DMV website
  2. Enter the audit number (on notice)
  3. Enter your license number
  4. Fill in your personal information (DoB, SSN, address)
  5. Confirm the details and pay the $9 – $25 renewal fee (varies by age)

You can print a temporary license upon completion.

Renewing In-Person

Take a trip to your local TX DMV:

  1. File the Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (DL-43)
  2. Provide your Driver’s license and ID
  3. Pass the vision test
  4. Get your thumbprint and picture taken
  5. Pay the renewal fee

You will receive the license on-the-spot.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is slow but simple:

  1. Gather your notice, ID, license, and application
  2. Provide the necessary details
  3. Pay the renewal fee

You should receive your license in a few weeks.

Renewing by Phone

Renewal is possible through the phone by calling 1-866-357-3639.

You will provide:

  1. License number
  2. Audit number
  3. DoB and SSN
  4. Payment

You will receive your license shortly after completing this process.