How to Renew Your Texas Driver License Online

Texas lets you renew online if you meet a few conditions

You can renew your Texas driver license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is expired or expiring within the next 60 days. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs less than renewing in person, and you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can use the online route. You must have a valid Texas ID on file from a previous visit to a DPS office, your license cannot have been suspended or revoked, and you cannot have certain medical conditions that require in-person review. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to renew at a DPS office instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is expired or expiring within 60 days and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions.
You will need your Texas ID number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the renewal online.
The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, paid by card during the online process.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your expired license until it arrives.
If your license was suspended, revoked, or you have medical conditions flagged in the system, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Check your may be able to access before you start

Before you begin the online renewal, verify that you meet the DPS requirements. Your license must be expired or expiring within 60 days. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office in person.

Log into your DPS account or call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6900 to confirm your license status. The staff can tell you in one call whether your record shows any suspensions, revocations, or medical flags that would block online renewal. This step takes five minutes and saves you from starting the process only to be turned away.

What you need to have ready

Gather these items before you log into the renewal portal. You will need your Texas ID number (found on your current license), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.

Have your current address on hand. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you will need to update your address during the renewal. The DPS will mail your new license to the address you provide, so make sure it is correct before you submit.

Steps to renew online through the Texas DPS

Go to the Texas DPS Online Services portal at onlineservices.dps.texas.gov. Click "Driver License Renewal" and select "Renew Online." You will be asked to enter your Texas ID number and date of birth to locate your record.

Review your personal information on the screen. Update your address if you have moved, and confirm your phone number and email. The DPS uses this information to mail your new license and contact you if there are any issues with your renewal.

Answer the vision and medical questions. The DPS asks whether your vision has changed and whether you have any new medical conditions that might affect your driving. Answer honestly; false answers can result in your renewal being denied or your license being suspended later.

Choose your license term and pay the fee. You can renew for four years ($25) or eight years ($50). Enter your debit or credit card information to complete the payment. The DPS does not store your card details; the transaction is processed through a find payment system.

Review your process and submit. Before you hit submit, read through all the information one more time. Once you submit, you cannot edit your process online. If you need to make changes after submission, you will have to contact the DPS or visit an office in person.

What happens after you submit your renewal

You will receive a confirmation number on the screen and by email. Save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status or contact the DPS with questions. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

You can continue driving with your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Texas law allows you to drive on an expired license if you have a pending renewal. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DPS office.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, check the DPS website for your renewal status or call 1-888-589-6900. Delays can happen during high-volume periods, but the DPS can investigate if something appears to have gone wrong.

When you cannot renew online and must visit an office

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person, and you may need to complete additional steps such as paying a reinstatement fee or taking a written test before your license is restored.

If you have medical conditions on file that require review—such as diabetes, seizure disorders, or vision problems—the DPS may require an in-person visit so an examiner can assess whether you are safe to drive. The DPS will notify you by mail if this applies to you.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, online renewal is not available. You will need to explore for a new license at a DPS office, which involves a written test, a vision test, and a new photo.

Renewing in person if online does not work for you

If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew at any DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to visit an office. Request a renewal process from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your documents and payment. Mail renewal takes longer—typically 4 to 6 weeks—so plan ahead if you choose this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license has been expired for more than a year?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license is expired or expiring within 60 days. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and will need to pass a written test and vision test.

What if I move to another state after I renew online?

You can renew your Texas license online even if you plan to move. However, once you move, you will need to get a driver license from your new state. Texas will not renew your license again if you are no longer a resident.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your expired license during this time. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS to check your renewal status.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended?

No. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person, and you may need to pay a reinstatement fee or meet other requirements before your license is restored.

What if I make a mistake on my online renewal process?

Once you submit your process, you cannot edit it online. If you made an error, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visit a DPS office to request a correction. For minor errors like a misspelled middle name, the DPS may correct it without requiring you to renew again.

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.