You can renew your Texas driver license online if you meet a few basic requirements
Texas lets you renew your driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver license office. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can renew online. You must have a valid Texas driver license that is not expired by more than two years, you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and your address on file must be current. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, or if your vision or medical status has changed, you'll need to renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired by more than two years and you have no changes to medical or vision information.
- You will need your Texas driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online renewal.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically between $25 and $40 for a standard renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at a DPS driver license office and bring required documents in person.
Check whether you are may be able to access to renew online
Before you start the online process, confirm that your situation matches the requirements. Your current Texas driver license must not be expired for more than two years. If it expired longer ago than that, the DPS system will not let you renew online and you will need to visit a driver license office.
Your license must also be in good standing — meaning you have no suspensions, revocations, or holds on your driving record. If you have received a notice that your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You can check your driving record status on the DPS website or by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556.
Finally, your personal information on file must still be accurate. If you have moved, changed your name, or had any change to your medical or vision status since your last renewal, you cannot complete the renewal online. You will need to visit a DPS office in person to update that information and renew your license at the same time.
Gather the information you will need before you start
Have these items ready before you log into the DPS renewal website. You will need your current Texas driver license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid payment method — either a debit card or credit card — to pay the renewal fee.
Write down your license number before you begin. It appears on the front of your license and starts with a number followed by letters. You will enter this number to pull up your record in the DPS system. If you cannot find your license number, you can look it up on the DPS website using your name and date of birth, though this takes longer.
Know the renewal fee before you start. The cost depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard five-year renewal typically costs between $25 and $40. The exact amount will appear on the screen before you pay, so you will know the total before you commit.
Complete the online renewal on the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and find the online driver license renewal section. The direct link is available under "Driver License" services. Click on "Renew Your Driver License Online" and you will be taken to a find renewal portal.
Enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the information currently on file with the DPS. Review this information carefully. If anything is wrong — your address, your name spelling, your phone number — stop here. You cannot fix these details online, and proceeding with incorrect information will result in a license with the wrong details. Close out of the renewal and schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If all your information is correct, confirm that you meet the renewal requirements. The system will ask you to verify that your license is not expired by more than two years, that you have no medical or vision changes, and that your address is current. Answer honestly. If you answer "no" to any of these questions, the system will not allow you to proceed online.
Review the renewal terms and pay the fee. The system will show you the renewal fee and the expiration date of your new license. Enter your debit or credit card information and submit payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
The DPS will process your renewal within one to two business days. You will receive an email confirmation that your renewal has been processed. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DPS within 7 to 10 business days.
You can continue to drive legally with your current license while you wait for your new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until the new one is issued. You do not need to carry any confirmation paperwork or email receipt while driving — your current license is sufficient.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if there was a problem with the mailing.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you must renew in person at a DPS driver license office. Schedule an appointment on the DPS website or by phone at 1-888-589-6556. Appointments are usually available within two to four weeks, though wait times vary by location.
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing because your license expired more than two years ago, bring additional proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address.
The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and your vision checked. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, the same as an online renewal. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The online renewal system only works if your license expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired for longer than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS driver license office. You will need to bring proof of identity and residency along with your current license.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You cannot update your address through online renewal. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person to change your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Processing takes one to two business days, so you should receive your license within 8 to 12 business days total from the time you submit your online renewal. You can drive legally with your current license until the new one arrives.
Can I renew my license online if I have a medical restriction?
No. If you have any medical or vision restrictions on your license, or if your medical or vision status has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person. A DPS officer will review your medical information and may require a vision test or a report from your doctor before issuing a new license.
What if my payment fails during online renewal?
If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to try again with a different card or payment method. Your renewal will not be submitted until payment is successful. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a DPS office and pay by cash, check, or card.