What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Texas
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DPS website to carry with you.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you have a medical condition that affects your driving, your address changed, or you want a new photo, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a DPS office in person and bring the documents listed in the "What Documents You Need" section below.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and nothing about your medical status, address, or photo needs to change.
- The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- You must have a valid payment method (debit or credit card) and a Texas address on file to renew online.
- While you wait for your renewed license, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DPS website that is valid for 45 days.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal
Step 1: Go to the DPS website. Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety online services portal at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License Online Services" link on the homepage.
Step 2: Select "Renew Driver License." You will see options for different transactions. Choose the renewal option, not replacement or duplicate.
Step 3: Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record. If it cannot find your record, the system will tell you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal and you must visit an office.
Step 4: Review your information. Check that your name, address, and other details are correct. If your address changed, you cannot proceed online—you must go to an office. If everything is correct, continue.
Step 5: Choose your license term. Select either four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Eight-year licenses cost more but last longer.
Step 6: Pay with a debit or credit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will see the total fee plus any processing charges before you confirm payment.
Step 7: Confirm your renewal. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email.
What Documents You Need
For online renewal, you do not need to submit documents—the DPS already has your information on file. However, you must have your current driver's license number and your date of birth ready when you start the process.
If you are renewing in person instead (because you do not meet the online requirements), bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Timeline: When Your License Arrives
After you complete online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect it to arrive on a specific date—mail times vary by location and time of year.
You can drive legally while you wait if you print the temporary driving permit from the DPS website when ready after renewal. This permit is valid for 45 days and must be carried with your current license. If your license arrives before the 45 days are up, the temporary permit is no longer valid.
If your license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6900 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.
Common Reasons Online Renewal Will Not Work
The most common reason the online system rejects you is that your license expired more than two years ago. Texas considers a license that old to be expired rather than straightforward due for renewal, and the law requires you to take a new written test and vision test in person.
The system will also reject you if you have a medical condition on your record that affects your driving, even if the condition has not changed. Examples include seizure disorders, diabetes requiring insulin, or certain vision problems. The DPS requires a doctor's statement for these renewals, which can only be submitted in person.
If you moved to a new address, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DPS office and update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within 90 days.
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. The online system uses your existing photo from your current license.
Paying the Renewal Fee
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. These are the standard DPS fees with no additional charge for online processing. The system will show you the total before you enter your payment information, so there are no surprises.
You must pay with a debit or credit card. The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you do not have a card, you cannot renew online—you must visit a DPS office and pay in person with cash, check, or card.
The payment is processed when ready when you submit it. If the transaction fails, the system will tell you why and you can try again with a different card or contact your bank to check for fraud blocks.
Printing Your Temporary Permit
After your online renewal is complete, you can print a temporary driving permit that is valid for 45 days. This permit allows you to drive legally while you wait for your renewed license to arrive by mail. You must carry both the temporary permit and your current license when you drive.
To print the temporary permit, go back to the DPS online services portal, select "Driver License Online Services," and look for the option to print your temporary permit. You will need your confirmation number from your renewal. Print it on standard white paper and keep it with you.
The temporary permit is not a replacement for your license and will not work for identification at airports, banks, or other places that require a government ID. It is only for driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired right now?
Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and take a new written test and vision test. Check the expiration date on your license before you start the online process.
What if I made a mistake during online renewal?
If you made a mistake before you submitted payment, you can go back and correct it. If you already paid and realized the mistake after, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the mistake can be corrected or whether you need to renew again in person.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Can someone else renew my license for me online?
No. You must renew your own license using your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will not accept someone else's information.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your address changed. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and update your address during the renewal process.