You can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Texas allows online renewal through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and you have not had certain violations or address changes. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 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. Online renewal is the fastest route only if you meet all the may be able to access requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Texas license expired within the last two years and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the transaction online.
- The renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid directly through the DPS website.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you have had a name change, address change, or medical restrictions added since your last renewal, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office in person.
Check whether your license qualifies for online renewal
Before you start, verify that your license meets all the requirements. Your license must not be expired by more than two years from the expiration date printed on the front. If it expired more than 24 months ago, the online system will reject your renewal and you will need to renew in person.
You also cannot renew online if you have any medical restrictions, vision restrictions, or corrective lens requirements on your current license. These restrictions require an in-person visit so a DPS officer can verify your medical status or vision. If your license shows a medical condition code (such as corrective lenses required), you must go to a DPS office.
Additionally, you cannot renew online if you have changed your name, changed your address, or had any traffic violations or suspensions since your last renewal. Name and address changes require in-person verification with documents. If any of these explore to you, locate your nearest DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office and schedule an appointment or visit during walk-in hours.
Gather your information before you log in
Have the following details ready before you visit the DPS renewal website. You will need your current driver's license number (the number on the front of your card), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid payment method: a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card.
Write down your license number and Social Security number before you begin so you do not have to search for your card. The online form will ask you to confirm your personal information as it appears in the DPS database, so make sure the details match exactly. If your name or address has changed since your license was issued, stop and renew in person instead.
Complete the renewal on the DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License Online Renewal." You will be taken to a find login page. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to begin.
The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to review and confirm it. Check that your name, address, date of birth, and license class are correct. If anything is wrong, stop the renewal and contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a DPS office in person. Do not proceed if your information is inaccurate.
Next, you will choose your renewal term: four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Select your preferred term and enter your payment information. The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write down or screenshot this number for your records.
What happens after you submit your payment
After your payment is processed, the DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time; it remains valid until your new license arrives.
You will receive a confirmation email at the email address associated with your DPS account (if you have one on file). If you did not receive a confirmation email, log back into the DPS website and check your renewal status using your license number and date of birth. The status page will show whether your renewal was successful and when your new license is expected to arrive.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Renew in person if you do not meet online requirements
If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical or vision restrictions, or you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person. Visit a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents related to name changes (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
You can find your nearest DPS office or tax assessor-collector office on the DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Walk-in renewals are also available at most locations, though wait times vary. In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs the same as online renewal ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years).
Common mistakes to avoid during online renewal
Do not attempt to renew online if your license expired more than two years ago. The system will reject your process, and you will have wasted time. Check your expiration date before you start.
Do not enter incorrect personal information. If your name, address, or date of birth does not match exactly what the DPS has on file, the renewal will fail. If you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person with supporting documents.
Do not close your browser or navigate away from the renewal page before your payment is processed. Wait for the confirmation number to appear on screen. If your connection drops, contact the DPS to verify whether your payment went through before you attempt to renew again.
Do not forget to save your confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. If your license does not arrive or you need to check the status of your renewal, you will need this number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired more than 24 months ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and any documents related to name or address changes.
What if my payment is declined during online renewal?
If your card is declined, the DPS website will display an error message. Check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are correct and try again. If the problem continues, use a different card or renew in person at a DPS office. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an office location.
How do I check the status of my renewed license after I submit my payment?
Log into the DPS renewal portal at dps.texas.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page will show whether your renewal was successful and an estimated delivery date. If you have questions, call 1-888-589-6556 and have your confirmation number ready.
Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction on my license?
No. Any medical or vision restriction requires an in-person renewal so a DPS officer can verify your current medical status or vision. Schedule an appointment at a DPS office or visit during walk-in hours. Bring your current license and any medical documentation your doctor has provided.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.