Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few requirements
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical restrictions, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Texas license expired within the last two years and nothing about your medical status or restrictions has changed.
- The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by credit card, debit card, or e-check at the time you submit.
- You will need your current or expired Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address to start the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online because your license is too old or your situation has changed, you must visit a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The DPS online renewal system is open to drivers whose current license is not expired by more than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, the system will not let you complete the transaction online, and you must go to a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office instead.
You also cannot renew online if your medical status has changed — for example, if you now have a condition that requires a restriction code on your license, or if a restriction you had before no longer applies. The same rule applies if you need to change your address, add or remove a name, or update any other personal information beyond what the online form asks for. In those cases, an in-person visit is required so a DPS employee can verify your documents and update your record.
Drivers with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot renew online under any circumstances and must visit an office in person.
What you need before you start
Have your current or expired Texas driver's license number ready — the system will not let you proceed without it. You will also need your Social Security number and a valid email address where you can receive a confirmation message. The DPS will send a link to that email address to verify your identity before your renewal is processed.
You will need a credit card, debit card, or bank account information to pay the renewal fee at the end of the process. The DPS does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewals. Make sure the payment method is in your name or that you have permission to use it.
Keep your license and Social Security card nearby while you work through the form, but you do not need to upload or photograph them. The online system only asks you to enter the information from these documents.
Step-by-step: how to renew online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and select "Online Renewal" from the options shown. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to pull up your record.
Review the information the DPS has on file — your name, date of birth, address, and current restrictions or medical conditions. If anything is wrong, stop and visit an office in person instead, because the online system cannot correct errors in your record. If everything is correct, confirm that your medical status has not changed and that you do not need to update your address or personal information.
Answer the vision and medical history questions on the form. These are the same questions you would answer in person. If you answer "yes" to any medical question, the system may ask you to provide more detail or may tell you that you cannot renew online and must visit an office.
Choose whether you want a four-year license ($16) or an eight-year license ($32). Enter your payment information and review the total cost. Once you submit, 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.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The DPS will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status or contact the DPS later. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive by mail.
If the DPS needs more information from you — for example, if the email verification fails or if your payment did not go through — they will contact you at the email address you provided. Check your spam folder if you do not see a message within a few hours of submitting your renewal.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, you can check the status on the DPS website using your confirmation number, or you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900. Have your driver's license number and confirmation number ready when you call.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online system. You must visit a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office with your expired license, 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 form). Bring your original documents or certified copies — the office will not accept photocopies.
You also must renew in person if you need to change your address, if your name has changed since your last renewal, if you have a new medical condition or restriction, or if you want to add or remove a name suffix. The in-person process takes longer — usually 30 minutes to an hour — but it allows a DPS employee to update your record completely and answer questions about your specific situation.
If you are not sure whether you can renew online, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 before you try. They can tell you in a few minutes whether your record is may be able to access for online renewal.
Cost and payment options for online renewal
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16 to renew online. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the only two options available through the online system. You pay at the time you submit your renewal, and the DPS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks (e-checks) only.
If you pay by e-check, you will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. The DPS processes e-check payments the same way they process card payments — when ready — so make sure the funds are available in your account before you submit.
There are no discounts or fee waivers for online renewal. The cost is the same whether you renew online or in person. If you cannot afford the renewal fee right now, you can wait and renew later, but remember that driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license is older than that, you must visit a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office in person with your expired license and proof of residency.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The DPS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your renewal. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS with your confirmation number to check the status.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you catch the mistake before you submit, you can go back and fix it. If you already submitted and realize there is an error, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the error can be corrected by mail or whether you need to visit an office in person to fix your record.
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 bring your CDL, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you may need to pass a vision test or medical examination depending on your situation.
What if my payment is declined when I try to renew online?
The DPS will tell you when ready if your payment did not go through. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, and try again. If the problem continues, use a different payment method or visit an office in person to renew instead.