Yes, you can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet certain requirements
Texas allows online renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only for standard renewals — not for the first time you get a license, a replacement after suspension, or a change of address or name. You must have a valid Texas license that has not expired more than two years ago, and you cannot have any medical conditions, vision problems, or restrictions that need updating. If you meet these conditions, the online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than going to an office in person.
The renewal is valid for six years from your current expiration date. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can start the process on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical or vision issues, and you are not changing your address or name.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- The renewal fee is lower online than at a DPS office, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a DPS office or an authorized third-party location.
Who can and cannot renew online
You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current Texas driver's license has not expired more than two years ago and you have no changes to make to your record. This means your address, name, and medical information must all be the same as what DPS has on file. You also cannot have any vision corrections, restrictions, or endorsements that need to be added or removed.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot use online renewal if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, if you need to add or remove a Real ID designation, or if you are renewing after a denial or disqualification. Drivers under 18 cannot renew online; they must appear in person.
If you have changed your address or name since your license was issued, you must renew at a DPS office or authorized location. The same applies if you have new medical conditions, need vision correction, or want to add a Real ID star to your license.
Steps to renew online through the DPS website
Start by going to dps.texas.gov and finding the online renewal section. You will need your current Texas driver's license number and your date of birth to log in. The system will pull up your record and show you the information DPS has on file.
Review all the details — name, address, medical information, and restrictions — to make sure nothing has changed. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Texas accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The fee varies depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or one with a Real ID, but online renewal is typically $5 to $10 cheaper than renewing in person.
After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number to track your renewal status on the DPS website if you want to check on it.
What happens if you do not meet online renewal requirements
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you have two options: visit a DPS office in person or go to an authorized third-party location. Third-party locations include some county tax assessor offices, some driver's license service centers, and certain other government offices. Not all counties have third-party locations, so check the DPS website to see what is available near you.
In-person renewal takes longer than online — typically 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is — but it allows you to make changes to your record, add Real ID, or handle any issues that prevent online renewal. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number if you are renewing for the first time in Texas.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it at all — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test. The process is more involved and costs more than a standard renewal.
Real ID and online renewal
If your current license already has a Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), you can renew it online without any extra steps. The Real ID status will carry over to your new license automatically.
If your license does not have a Real ID star and you want to add one during renewal, you cannot do it online. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. Real ID renewal in person takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, but it is required if you want to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
How much online renewal costs and when you pay
Online renewal fees are set by the state and do not vary by county or DPS office. The cost depends on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard six-year renewal is typically $25 to $35 online, which is less than the in-person fee. You pay at the time you complete the renewal on the website using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
There are no additional fees for online renewal, and you do not pay anything when your license arrives in the mail. If you need to track your renewal or have questions about the fee, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556.
Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it does not arrive
After you complete your online renewal, save your confirmation number. You can use this number on the DPS website to check the status of your renewal at any time. The status will show whether your license is being printed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS. You can call 1-888-589-6556 or use the online status tracker to report the issue. If your license is lost or damaged in the mail, DPS can reissue it, though there may be an additional fee.
Until your new license arrives, your old license is still valid. You can continue to use it for driving and identification. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office. A new license requires a written test, vision test, and new photos, and the process takes longer than a standard renewal.
What if I changed my address since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office or authorized location and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Bring your current license and proof of Social Security number as well.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you renew in person, which gives you the option to take a new one.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a written test and a skills test, and bring your current CDL and medical certificate.
What if my payment fails during online renewal?
If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to try again with a different payment method. Make sure your card has sufficient funds and that the billing address matches your card issuer's records. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a DPS office instead.