Yes, you can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Texas allows online renewal through its official website, but not everyone qualifies. You must have a valid Texas driver's license that is not expired by more than two years, be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and have no medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your address, photograph, or name, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a four-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you are a U.S. citizen with no medical restrictions.
- Online renewal costs $25 for four years or $50 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
- You cannot change your address, name, or photograph online — those changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online process.
Who qualifies for online renewal in Texas
Your license must not be expired by more than two years. If it expired more than 24 months ago, the DPS system will not allow you to renew online and will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead. Check your license expiration date before you start the process.
You must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens, including permanent residents, cannot use the online system and must visit a DPS office in person. You must also have a Social Security number on file with the DPS from your original license process or a previous renewal.
Your license cannot have medical restrictions or conditions noted on it. If your license shows a medical alert, vision restriction, or hearing restriction, you must renew in person so a DPS officer can verify that the restriction still applies or can be removed. Similarly, if you have changed your address, legal name, or need a new photograph, you cannot complete the renewal online.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Step 1: Go to the Texas DPS website. Navigate to the official DPS online services page at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Online Services" section and select "Driver License Renewal."
Step 2: Enter your personal information. You will be asked for your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify this information against DPS records.
Step 3: Review and confirm your information. The system will display your current license information, including your address, name, and photograph. You cannot change any of these details online. If any information is incorrect, you must cancel the online renewal and visit a DPS office instead.
Step 4: Choose your renewal term. Select either a four-year renewal ($25) or an eight-year renewal ($50). The cost is the same regardless of your current age.
Step 5: Pay by debit or credit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment. Write down or screenshot this number for your records.
Step 6: Wait for your new license by mail. The DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid and can be used for identification until the new one arrives.
What you cannot do online
You cannot change your mailing address online. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
You cannot change your legal name online. If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You cannot request a new photograph online. If your current photograph is more than 8 years old or if you straightforward want a new one, you must renew in person. The DPS will take a new photograph at the office.
You cannot renew if your license has medical restrictions, if you need to add or remove restrictions, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). All of these require an in-person appointment.
Timeline and what to expect after you pay
After you submit payment, the DPS will send you a confirmation email to the address on file with your confirmation number. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.
Your renewal will be processed within one to two business days. You do not need to do anything else — the DPS will print your new license and mail it automatically. You can use your current license for identification during this time.
Mail delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DPS mails your license. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online. You must make an appointment at a DPS office. Visit the DPS website to find your nearest office and schedule a time slot. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you need to change your address, name, or photograph, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if applicable), and any legal documents showing a name change (if applicable). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If your license has medical restrictions or if you are unsure whether you may have access to for online renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 before you start the online process. A representative can tell you whether you are may be able to access and what documents you will need if you must visit in person.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume your address is current. If you moved and did not update your address with the DPS, your renewed license will be mailed to your old address. You cannot change your address online, so if you have moved recently, renew in person instead.
Do not try to renew if your license expired more than two years ago. The online system will reject your process, and you will have to start over with an in-person appointment. Check your expiration date first.
Do not pay a third-party website or service to renew your license for you. The official DPS online renewal is free to access, and the only cost is the $25 or $50 renewal fee paid directly to the state. Any other website charging a fee is not affiliated with the DPS.
Do not ignore a rejection message. If the online system tells you that you do not may have access to, it means you must renew in person. Do not try again — schedule an appointment at a DPS office instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not receive my license within 15 business days?
Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. A representative can check whether your license was mailed and provide a tracking update. If the license was lost in the mail, the DPS can reissue it. You may also visit a DPS office in person to request a replacement.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your process if your license has any holds, suspensions, or revocations. You must resolve the issue with the DPS before you can renew. Call 1-888-589-6900 to find out what you need to do.
Do I need to take a new photo or vision test for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photograph and does not require a vision test. If you want a new photograph or if your vision has changed significantly, you must renew in person.
Can I renew my license online if I am out of state?
Yes. The online renewal process works from anywhere as long as you meet all other requirements. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file with the DPS, regardless of where you are when you renew.
What payment methods does the DPS accept for online renewal?
The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You cannot pay by cash, check, or money order online. If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you must renew in person at a DPS office.