What https://renew.txdmv.gov does and who can use it
https://renew.txdmv.gov is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles' official online renewal portal. It lets you renew your driver's license from home without visiting a DPS office, as long as you meet specific requirements. The site handles the payment, photo verification, and document submission all in one place.
You can use this portal if your license is expired or expiring within the next 60 days, you have no medical or vision restrictions that changed, you have no address changes to report, and you are a Texas resident. If any of those conditions don't explore to you — for example, if you need to add a Real ID star, change your address, or update medical information — you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
The renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days after you submit. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- The TxDMV renewal site only works if your license is expiring soon, you have no restrictions or address changes, and you are renewing the same type of license.
- You will need your current Texas driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method to complete the renewal online.
- The site uses facial recognition to verify your identity against your existing license photo, so you do not need to upload a new photo.
- If the online portal rejects your renewal, you will see the reason on screen and can schedule an in-person appointment at a DPS office.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.
Step-by-step process on the renewal site
Start by going to https://renew.txdmv.gov in any web browser. The site will ask you to enter your Texas driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is how TxDMV pulls up your record.
Next, the site will ask you to verify your identity using facial recognition. You will take a photo of yourself using your device's camera — a phone, tablet, or computer with a webcam all work. The system compares this photo to the one on file with your current license. If the match succeeds, you move forward. If it fails, the site will tell you why (usually poor lighting, angle, or a significant change in appearance) and you can try again or choose to renew in person.
After identity verification, you will review your current information: name, address, and license class. If anything is wrong, stop — you cannot correct it online. You will need to visit a DPS office instead. If everything is correct, you will agree to the vision and medical questions (confirming you have no new restrictions) and proceed to payment.
Payment is by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Texas charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and validity period; the site will show the exact amount before you pay. Once payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to check your renewal status later.
What happens if the online renewal is denied
The site may reject your renewal for several reasons. The most common are: your license is too old to renew online (more than 60 days expired), you have a medical or vision restriction on file, your address has changed, or the facial recognition system cannot verify your identity.
When a denial happens, the site displays the specific reason on your screen. Write down that reason — you will need it when you contact DPS or visit an office. You can then schedule an in-person appointment at a nearby DPS office through the same TxDMV website or by calling your local office directly.
If the facial recognition fails multiple times, try again in better lighting, face the camera straight on, and remove sunglasses or hats. If it still fails, an in-person visit is your only option — a DPS employee will take a new photo and process your renewal at the office.
Documents and information you need before starting
Gather these items before you visit https://renew.txdmv.gov: your current Texas driver's license (you will need the number), the last four digits of your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account for e-check).
You do not need to upload documents, take a new photo, or print anything. The system uses your existing license photo and pulls your information from the DPS database. The only active step you take is the facial recognition verification and payment.
If you do not have your license number handy, you can look it up on your physical license, your vehicle registration, or any insurance documents that list it. If you have lost your license and do not know the number, you will need to visit a DPS office to renew.
Fees and payment options
Texas driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want the license to be valid. A standard renewal is usually valid for 8 years and costs less than a shorter renewal. The exact fee appears on the TxDMV renewal site before you pay, so you will know the total before committing.
You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or e-check (which pulls directly from your bank account). The site processes payment when ready. If your card is declined, you will see an error message and can try a different payment method or visit a DPS office to pay in person.
There are no additional fees for using the online portal instead of visiting an office. The renewal fee is the same either way.
Timeline: when your new license arrives
After you submit your renewal on https://renew.txdmv.gov, the system processes it within 1 to 2 business days. Your new license then enters the mail system and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days from the date you submitted. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service.
You can continue driving on your current license the entire time you are waiting. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even after you have submitted an online renewal. You do not need a temporary permit or extension.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, you can check the status by returning to https://renew.txdmv.gov and entering your license number and Social Security number again. The site will show whether your renewal is still processing or if there was a problem.
When you must visit a DPS office instead
The online portal does not work for every situation. You must visit a DPS office in person if: your license is more than 60 days expired, you need to add or change a Real ID designation, your address has changed, you have new medical or vision restrictions, you are changing your name, you are upgrading your license class (for example, from a regular license to a commercial license), or you have lost your license.
You also need to visit in person if the online system rejects your facial recognition verification after multiple attempts, or if you do not have a current Texas license to renew (for example, if you are moving to Texas from another state).
To schedule an in-person appointment, use the DPS office locator on the TxDMV website, call your local DPS office, or visit in person during business hours. Many offices now require appointments to manage wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than 60 days ago?
No. The online portal only works for licenses that are expired or expiring within 60 days. If your license expired longer ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if the facial recognition system says it cannot verify me?
Try again in a well-lit room, facing the camera straight on, with your face fully visible. Remove glasses, hats, or sunglasses. If it still fails after several attempts, you will need to renew at a DPS office where an employee can take a new photo manually.
Do I need to print anything or upload documents?
No. The online renewal requires no documents, uploads, or printing. You only enter your license number, verify your identity with a photo, review your information, and pay. Everything else is handled by the DPS system.
Can I renew online if I moved to a new address?
No. Address changes must be done in person at a DPS office. If you try to renew online with an outdated address, the system will reject the renewal and direct you to visit an office.
How do I check if my renewed license has been mailed?
Return to https://renew.txdmv.gov, enter your license number and Social Security number, and the site will show your renewal status. You can also call your local DPS office with your confirmation number from the email receipt.