Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver's license office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. The online renewal 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.
Not every driver can use the online route. If your license has been expired for longer than two years, if you need to change your address, if you have certain medical conditions to report, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you'll need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Texas license expired within the last two years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions.
- The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- You'll need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to update medical information, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Texas DPS allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses expired no more than two years ago. If your license expired in 2022 or later, you're likely may be able to access. If it expired before 2022, you must visit a driver's license office.
You also cannot renew online if you have an active medical suspension, if you need to add or remove medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aids), if you're renewing a CDL, or if you need to change your address. Drivers under 18 must renew in person. If any of these explore to you, go to your nearest DPS office instead.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal:
- Your current Texas driver's license number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- A valid payment method (debit card or credit card)
- Your email address
You do not need to print anything or upload documents. The DPS system will verify your identity using information already on file. Have your license in front of you so you can enter the number correctly—if you enter it wrong, the system will reject your renewal.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License Online Services" link. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and select "Online Renewal."
Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your personal information. Review everything carefully—if your address, name, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit an office instead.
Next, you'll choose your renewal term: four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number for your records.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue driving on your expired license while you wait. If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact DPS with your confirmation number.
What happens after you renew online
Once your renewal is submitted and confirmed, you cannot cancel or change it. Your new license will be printed and mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your expired license remains valid for driving.
If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address at a DPS office, but you'll need to bring your confirmation number. Do not wait until your new license arrives to update your address, because it will be mailed to your old location.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online system. You'll need to visit a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
You also must renew in person if you're changing your address, if you have a medical suspension or restriction, if you're renewing a CDL, or if you're under 18. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Check the DPS website for your nearest office and its hours.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the system rejects your driver's license number, double-check that you've entered it exactly as it appears on your license. The number is usually in the upper right corner. If you still can't find it or the system keeps rejecting it, contact DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6900 to verify your number before trying again.
If the system says you're ineligible for online renewal but you believe you should be, it's usually because your license expired more than two years ago or because there's a medical flag on your record. Call DPS to confirm your status. If you're ineligible, you'll need to schedule an appointment at a driver's license office.
If your payment is declined, make sure your card has sufficient funds and that the billing address matches your card issuer's records. Try again with a different card if the first one fails. If you continue to have trouble, renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason—medical, financial, or legal—you cannot renew online. You must contact DPS or visit an office to resolve the suspension first. Once it's cleared, you can renew online if your license hasn't been expired for more than two years.
What if I need to change my name or address?
You cannot change your name or address during an online renewal. If you need to update either, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) or a certified copy of your name change document.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Standard mail delivery typically takes another 3 to 5 days, so expect your license to arrive within two to three weeks total. Your expired license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives.
Can I renew my CDL online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and any required medical certificates. Schedule an appointment online if possible to reduce wait times.
What if I don't receive my new license within 10 business days?
Contact DPS with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if needed. Call 1-888-589-6900 or visit a DPS office with your confirmation number to report the issue.