Yes, you can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet the requirements
Texas allows online renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website for most people whose licenses are not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or photo, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record that require a vision test. If any of those situations explore to you, you must visit a DPS office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or more than two years expired, and you do not need to change your address, name, or photo.
- You pay $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal through the DPS website, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the transaction online.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person, which requires scheduling an appointment through the DPS website.
Who can renew online and who must go to an office
You can renew online if your current license is valid or expired for less than two years, you have no suspensions or revocations on your record, and you do not need to update your address, name, or photo. You also cannot have certain medical conditions flagged in the DPS system that require a vision test or doctor's certification.
You must visit a DPS office in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if it is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you want a new photo, or if you have medical restrictions that need review. Some people also cannot renew online if they are not a U.S. citizen or if they do not have a Social Security number on file with DPS.
How to renew online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and the date of birth on your license. The system will verify your identity using information already in the DPS database.
Once verified, you will enter your payment information. Texas DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Do not schedule a DPS office visit if you have already paid for online renewal — the system will flag duplicate requests.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew online if your license is under suspension or revocation. The DPS website will tell you this when you try to start the renewal. Before you can renew at all, you must clear the suspension or revocation by paying any outstanding fines, completing required traffic safety courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DPS.
To find out why your license is suspended or revoked, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a DPS office. Once you have resolved the issue, you can renew online if you meet all other requirements, or in person if you do not.
What to do if you need to change your address or name
Online renewal does not allow address or name changes. If you have moved or legally changed your name, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Schedule an appointment through the DPS website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are seen first. The in-person renewal costs the same as online renewal ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years) and takes about 15 minutes once you are called.
Timeline and what to expect after you pay
After you complete online payment, you will see a confirmation page with a confirmation number. Save or print this number. You will also receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, not to a different address, so make sure your address is current before you renew.
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS processes your order. If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556 with your confirmation number. Do not request a duplicate or replacement license while you are waiting — this can delay your renewal.
When you cannot use online renewal and must visit in person
Beyond address and name changes, you must visit a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want a new photo, if you are not a U.S. citizen, or if you do not have a Social Security number on file. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition code in your DPS record that requires a vision test or doctor's letter.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 15 minutes and costs the same as online renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Make an appointment through the DPS website to avoid long wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find an office near you and schedule an appointment.
What if the DPS website says I cannot renew online but I do not know why?
Call DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you whether you have a suspension, a revocation, a medical flag, or another issue blocking online renewal. They can also tell you what steps you need to take to fix it.
Do I get a temporary license when I renew online?
No. Online renewal does not issue a temporary license. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives by mail. If your license is about to expire and you need a temporary document, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Can I renew online if I have a suspended license due to unpaid child support?
No. You must clear the suspension first by working with the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or the court that issued the suspension. Once cleared, you can renew online if you meet all other requirements. Call 1-888-589-6556 to confirm the suspension has been lifted before you attempt renewal.
What if I pay for online renewal but then realize I made a mistake?
Contact DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556 with your confirmation number as soon as possible. If your order has not yet been processed, they may be able to cancel it and refund your payment. If processing has already started, you will need to wait for the license to arrive and then request a replacement or correction through a DPS office.