Texas lets you renew your driver license online if you meet a few conditions
You can renew your Texas driver license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver license office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a two-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you wear corrective lenses and want to update that on your license, or if you have certain medical conditions, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical holds or changed restrictions.
- The online process costs $16 for two years or $32 for eight years, takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your Texas driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card to complete the transaction online.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you changed your address, or you need to update vision or medical information, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The DPS online renewal system is open to drivers whose current license expired no more than two years ago. If your license expired in 2022 or later, you are within the window. If it expired before 2022, you must go to a DPS office in person.
You also cannot use online renewal if you have an active medical suspension, if your license was suspended or revoked for any reason, or if you need to add or remove medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses, hearing aid, or automatic transmission only). Address changes also require an in-person visit because the DPS needs to verify your new residence.
If you are unsure whether you may have access to, the DPS website will tell you during the renewal process. You can start the online process, and the system will flag any reason you cannot complete it that way and direct you to an office instead.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you log into the DPS renewal website: your current Texas driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). You will also need a working email address where you can receive your confirmation.
Have your license in front of you as you go through the online form. The system will ask you to confirm information printed on your license — your full name, date of birth, address, and eye color — so accuracy matters. If any of that information is wrong on your current license, you cannot fix it online; you must visit a DPS office to correct it before renewing.
Step-by-step: completing your online renewal
Go to the DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will land on a page that explains may be able to access and asks you to confirm you meet the requirements. Read through the list and check the box confirming you are may be able to access, then click "Continue."
Enter your driver license number and your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and display the information on file. Review it carefully — name, date of birth, address, and restrictions. If anything is incorrect, stop and visit a DPS office instead; the online system cannot correct errors.
Choose your renewal term: two years ($16) or eight years ($32). Enter your email address and confirm it. Then enter your payment information. The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number and a confirmation email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What happens after you pay
Once your payment is processed, the DPS sends you a confirmation email with your transaction number. Keep this email — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. Your new license is printed and mailed within a few business days.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or through the DPS website. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can check the status of your license and remail it if there was a delivery problem.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical suspension or revocation, if your address changed, or if you need to update vision or medical restrictions. You will need to bring your current license (or an expired license if you no longer have the current one), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and proof of Social Security number such as a Social Security card or W-2.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than two years ago. If it expired before that, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The online system will tell you whether your expiration date qualifies before you complete the transaction.
What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?
Contact the DPS before you move and update your address in person at a DPS office. If you have already completed your online renewal, call 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number and ask them to update your mailing address so your new license goes to the correct place.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Standard mail delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the time your payment is processed. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, if your current license already shows the corrective lens restriction and nothing has changed. If you need to add or remove that restriction, or if you have any other vision or medical change, you must renew in person.