How to Renew Your Texas Driver License Online

You can renew your Texas driver license online if you meet a few basic requirements

Texas lets you renew your driver license through the Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office in person. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-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. You must have a valid Texas license that is not expired by more than two years, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a Social Security number on file with DPS, and have a current mailing address in Texas. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name or address, you cannot renew online — you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your current Texas license expired within the last two years and you have not had any suspensions, revocations, or address changes.
You will need your Texas driver license number, date of birth, and a debit or credit card to complete the renewal on the DPS website.
The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
If you cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at a DPS office and bring required documents in person.

Check your may be able to access before you start

Before you go to the DPS website, confirm that you meet the requirements. Your current license must not be expired by more than two years. If it is older than that, online renewal is not an option. You also cannot renew online if your license has ever been suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason — even if the suspension ended years ago.

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you must have a Social Security number already on file with the Department of Public Safety. If you are not sure whether DPS has your Social Security number, you can call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6900 before you attempt to renew. The call is free and takes a few minutes.

Your mailing address must be in Texas. If you have moved out of state or to a military address overseas, you cannot renew online. You also cannot change your name, address, or other personal information through the online renewal process — if any of those details need updating, you must visit a DPS office.

Go to the DPS website and enter your information

Start at the Texas Department of Public Safety website (dps.texas.gov). Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will be taken to a page that asks for your Texas driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Enter these details exactly as they appear on your current license. If you make a mistake, the system will not find your record and you will see an error message. Double-check each field before you click "Next." The system uses this information to pull up your driver record and confirm that you are who you say you are.

Review your information and choose your license type

Once the system finds your record, it will display your current driver license information on the screen. Review everything carefully — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, stop here and do not proceed. You will need to visit a DPS office in person to correct errors.

Next, you will choose whether you want a four-year license ($16) or an eight-year license ($32). Most people choose the option that matches their current license type, but you can switch if you prefer. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so it may be worth it if you plan to keep your license for many years.

Pay and confirm your renewal

You will be asked to enter a debit or credit card number to pay the renewal fee. The DPS website uses encryption to protect your payment information. After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen — write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address on file with DPS.

Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check on your renewal status later. You can call DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6900 and provide this number if you have questions about your order. Do not throw away your current license when it arrives — you can use it to drive until your new license arrives in the mail.

Track your new license and what to do when it arrives

Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just keep your current license with you when you drive. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received your new license, call DPS Customer Service to check on the status.

When your new license arrives, check it for errors before you put it in your wallet. If the name, date of birth, address, or any other information is wrong, you will need to visit a DPS office to correct it. If everything looks correct, you can destroy your old license or keep it for your records — Texas does not require you to turn it in.

What to do if you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than two years ago, has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name or address, you must visit a DPS office in person. You can schedule an appointment on the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6900. Appointments are usually available within a few days, though wait times vary by location.

Bring your current driver license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license is older than that, you must visit a DPS office in person. You can still drive legally while you renew, but you should do so as soon as possible.

What if I do not have a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee?

Online renewal requires a debit or credit card. If you do not have one, you can renew in person at a DPS office and pay by cash, check, or money order. Call 1-888-589-6900 to schedule an appointment.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you do not receive it within that time, contact DPS Customer Service with your confirmation number.

Can I change my address or name when I renew online?

No. Online renewal only updates your license expiration date. If you need to change your address, name, or any other personal information, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What if I made a mistake when I entered my information online?

If you notice an error on your renewed license when it arrives, visit a DPS office to correct it. Bring your new license and any documents that support the correction, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.