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 website without visiting a DPS office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions 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, if you need to change your address, or if your medical status changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead. The same applies if you're renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) or if you need to add or remove endorsements.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no new medical restrictions or suspensions.
- The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes from your computer or phone.
- You'll need your Texas driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or your address changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your Texas driver license number and your Social Security number before you go to the DPS website. You'll also need a debit card or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Have your current license in front of you so you can enter the information exactly as it appears.
Check that your address on file is still correct. If you moved since your last renewal, the online renewal will not let you update your address—you'll have to go to a DPS office instead. Your new license will be mailed to the address the DPS has on record, so if that address is wrong, your license may go to the wrong place.
Step-by-step: completing your online renewal
Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and look for the "Driver License" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll be asked to enter your driver license number and your date of birth to confirm your identity.
Next, you'll review your personal information as it appears in the DPS system. Check your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, stop here and renew in person at a DPS office—the online system cannot fix errors in your record. If everything is correct, proceed to payment.
Choose your renewal term: four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Enter your debit or credit card information and complete the payment. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this confirmation—you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
When your new license arrives and what to do while you wait
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your old license during this time—there is no gap in your driving authority. The new license will have the same number as your old one.
If you don't receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license arrives damaged or with errors, you can request a replacement at a DPS office.
Situations where you must renew in person instead
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew online if you have an active medical suspension, if your medical status or restrictions changed since your last renewal, or if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).
If your address changed, you must renew in person so the DPS can update your record before issuing your new license. The same applies if your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order. Commercial driver license (CDL) renewals must also be done in person, even if you meet all other online requirements.
What happens if the online system rejects your renewal
The online system will tell you when ready if you don't meet the requirements. Common reasons for rejection include a license expired more than two years ago, an active medical suspension, or a flag on your record that requires in-person verification. The system will explain which requirement you don't meet.
If you're rejected, write down the reason and visit a DPS office with your current license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The office staff can often resolve the issue on the spot and issue your new license the same day. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your name has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason—medical, administrative, or due to unpaid fines—you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting the DPS or the agency that issued the suspension, then renew in person at a DPS office.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you renew in person and request a new one.
What if I paid but didn't finish the renewal?
If your payment went through but you didn't complete all the steps, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. They can check whether your renewal was processed or if you need to start again.
Can I renew online if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online from anywhere as long as you meet the other requirements. Your new license will be mailed to the Texas address on file with the DPS, so make sure that address is current before you start.