Texas has rolled out significant changes to its driver license renewal process in 2025, affecting how, when, and what you need to renew your license. Here’s what every Texas driver should know about the new requirements and procedures.
Key Changes for 2025
1. REAL ID Compliance Now Mandatory for Air Travel
- Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver license (marked with a gold star), a valid U.S. passport, or a military ID will be required for domestic air travel. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you must upgrade during renewal1.
2. Renewal Methods and Eligibility
- You can renew your Texas driver license:
- Online
- By phone
- By mail
- In person
- However, some situations require an in-person visit:
- If you have both a DL and an ID card, you must surrender one in person before using online renewal.
- If you have not verified your U.S. citizenship with DPS since October 2008, you must do so in person.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must apply for a new license in person.
- If your license is suspended, you must reinstate it before renewal.
3. Renewal Timing
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires and up to two years after expiration.
- If your license is expired for more than two years, you must start over with a new application4.
4. Required Documents
- Proof of identification
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (if not previously verified)
- Your current Texas driver license
5. Senior Drivers
- For drivers aged 85 and older, licenses are valid for only two years, and renewal must be done in person. For those 79 and older, every renewal requires an in-person visit.
6. Commercial Drivers (CDL/CLP)
- As of June 23, 2025, commercial drivers must submit their medical certificates electronically through the FMCSA’s National Registry.
7. Remote Renewal for Service Members
- Active-duty military members and their dependents living outside Texas can renew by mail, following DPS instructions.
8. Legacy Application Retirement
- The DPS legacy driver license renewal application will be discontinued after May 31, 2025. All renewals must use the updated system.
How to Renew
- Online/Phone/Mail: Most drivers can renew using these methods if they meet eligibility requirements (no major changes since last renewal, citizenship status verified, etc.).
- In Person: Required for first-time REAL ID, major changes, certain age groups, or if otherwise ineligible for remote renewal.
Pro Tips
- Create a TxT account for secure, anytime access to renewal and registration services.
- Check your eligibility and required documents before heading to a DPS office or starting an online application.
- Watch for “No Turn on Red” signs if you’re driving in other states—rules vary!
Summary Table: Texas License Renewal (2025)
| Requirement/Change | Details/Notes |
|---|---|
| REAL ID for air travel | Required by May 7, 2025 |
| Renewal eligibility window | 1 year before to 2 years after expiration |
| In-person renewal required | 79+ years old, major changes, some exceptions |
| CDL/CLP medical certificate submission | Electronic only after June 23, 2025 |
| Remote renewal for military | By mail, per DPS instructions |
| Legacy application retired | After May 31, 2025 |
Texas drivers should prepare for stricter documentation, mandatory REAL ID for air travel, and more frequent in-person renewals for seniors. Start your renewal process early and ensure you have all required documents to avoid delays.
Sources
- https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/eligibility.dl?locale=en_US
- https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license
- https://statepolicy.militaryonesource.mil/bill/TX/EO/remote-driver’s-license-renewal/2025
- https://www.aceable.com/dmv/texas/renewing-your-drivers-license-in-texas/
- https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
