How to Renew Your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification Card
Most driver licenses and identification cards can be renewed up to two years before and after the expiration date. You have several convenient options to renew your Texas driver license or identification card during this time, including:
- Online
- By Telephone
- By Mail, or
- In-person at your local driver license office
Online or Telephone Renewal
The most convenient way to renew your Texas driver license, motorcycle license, or identification card is online or by telephone. You must meet the following requirements:
Texas driver license
- You renewed your driver license in person at a driver license office last time.
- You have a Class C, M, or CM driver license. You cannot renew a Class A, Class B or commercial driver license online.
- Your driver license either expires in less than two years, or has been expired for less than two years.
- You are at least 18 years of age and your driver license is not a provisional or learner license.
- You are younger than 79 years of age.
- Your vision and your physical and mental conditions have not changed in a way that affects your ability to drive safely since your last renewal.
- Your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), and you do not have any warrants or unpaid tickets. To verify your eligibility, visit our License Eligibility page.
- Your Social Security Number is already on file.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You have in your possession your most recently issued driver license, the audit number from the card, or answer security questions to verify your identity.
Texas Identification Card
- You renewed your ID card in person at a driver license office last time.
- Your ID card either expires in less than two years, or has been expired for less than two years.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- Your Social Security Number is already on file.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You have in your possession your most recently issued driver license, the audit number from the card, or answer security questions to verify your identity.
If you meet the requirements for the card you are trying to renew, you must have the following to complete the renewal process:
- Your current driver license or identification card (the one you are renewing)
- A printer or email address to print or email your temporary driver license and payment receipt, if you renew online. No temporary driver license or receipt will be issued when renewing by phone
- A valid credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express)
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
Begin the online renewal process, or call 1-866-DL RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to renew by telephone. If you renew online, you will be provided with an opportunity to provide and/or update your emergency contact information.
Mail-in Renewal
If you received an invitation to renew by mail, you can also choose to renew online or by phone. See the section “Online or Telephone Renewals” above. To renew by mail, please follow all of the instructions on the form.
In-Person at your local driver license office
You may use our interactive REAL ID Document Check Application to assist in preparing you for your Driver License Office Visit. Just follow the steps, and at the end, you will have a customized checklist of the documents to bring for your visit.
If you are not eligible to renew online, by phone, or by mail, you will need to visit your local driver license office for assistance. You may visit our License Eligibility page to verify your driver license status. Once you have collected the required documents, you will need to do the following:
- Complete the renewal application before arriving at your local office (This form is also available at all driver license offices).
- Make an appointment at a driver license office.
- Provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:
- Application for the renewal of a driver license
- U.S. Citizenship (regardless if you have previously presented this information) or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence
- Identity (Only one primary, secondary, or supporting document is required), and
- Social Security Number*
- Pass the vision exam.
- Provide your thumbprints.
- Have your picture taken.
- Pay the application fee.
*You will also be asked to confirm personal information, such as date-of-birth or Social Security Number. If the Social Security Number is not already part of the driver record, you must provide documents to verify your Social Security Number. (Documents verifying a Social Security Number are required for both a driver license and an ID.)
To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and protect the integrity of the issuance process, you will be required to verify your social security number (SSN), identity, and citizenship before we can renew your Texas DL or ID.
Address Confidentiality Program
For information on the Address Confidentiality Program, visit the Address Confidentiality Program page.
Driver Licenses or ID Cards (expired for more than two years)
Renewing Expired License
Driver licenses or ID cards that have been expired for more than two years cannot be renewed. If your driver license or ID card has been expired for more than two years, you must:
- Verify your eligibility to apply for a driver license by visiting our License Eligibility page
- Meet all of the requirements for a new ID card or driver license (including taking the knowledge and driving tests)
- Apply in person as a new applicant at a driver license office
