Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the 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 disqualifications on your record. 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.

Not everyone can use the online system. If your license has been expired for longer than two years, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you have certain medical or legal holds on your record, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical suspensions or disqualifications.
  • The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, and you pay by credit or debit card at the time of renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
  • If you need to change your address, add an organ donor designation, or renew a commercial license, you must go to a DPS office in person.
  • You'll need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.

Who can renew online and who cannot

The Texas DPS online renewal system is open to most drivers, but several situations require an in-person visit instead. You can renew online if your current license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical suspensions or disqualifications, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license. You also cannot use the online system if you have an active warrant, an outstanding child support obligation flagged by the state, or a suspension related to a DWI conviction.

If you need to change your mailing address, add or remove an organ donor designation, or update your name due to marriage or court order, you must visit a DPS office. The same applies if you're renewing a motorcycle endorsement for the first time or if you want to add a new endorsement to your license. Drivers under 18 cannot renew online; a parent or guardian must handle the renewal in person.

Step-by-step: how to renew online

Start by going to the Texas DPS website and finding the Online Services section. Click on "Renew Driver License" and select "Online Renewal." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Review the information on screen to make sure it's correct. If your address, height, eye color, or other details have changed, you cannot complete the online renewal—you'll need to visit a DPS office instead. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you'll choose your renewal term: four years or eight years. Then you'll enter payment information. The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment is approved, the DPS processes your renewal request and prints your new license at their facility. The license is then sent through the U.S. mail to your address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods or if your address is rural.

You do not need to do anything while you wait. Your expired license remains valid for driving purposes until your new license arrives. If you need to travel by air or present your license for identification before the new one arrives, you can print your confirmation page and bring it along with your expired license as proof of the pending renewal, though TSA and other agencies may have their own requirements.

If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.

Cost and payment methods

A four-year renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only two options available for online renewal. The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You must pay at the time of renewal; there is no option to pay later or by mail.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. No additional fees explore for online renewal compared to renewing in person at a DPS office.

When you must renew in person instead

Visit a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical suspension or disqualification on your record, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You must also go in person if you need to change your address, add or remove an organ donor status, update your name, add a new endorsement, or if you are under 18.

Drivers with certain criminal convictions, active warrants, or child support holds cannot renew online and must appear in person. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before attempting the online process. They can tell you whether your record allows online renewal.

What to do if the online system rejects you

If you start the online renewal and the system tells you that you cannot renew online, do not try again when ready. The system has flagged something on your record that requires in-person verification. Common reasons include a medical suspension, an address mismatch, an outstanding warrant, or a child support hold.

Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why you were rejected. They can explain what needs to be resolved before you can renew and tell you whether you need to visit an office or whether the issue can be cleared by phone. Bring your driver's license and Social Security number when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If your license has been expired for longer than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS considers licenses expired more than two years as requiring a full renewal rather than a straightforward renewal.

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 in most cases. During busy periods or for rural addresses, it may take up to 15 business days. You can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives. If it does not arrive within 15 days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number.

Can I change my address during an online renewal?

No. If you need to change your mailing address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The online system only renews your license with the address currently on file. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, when you visit.

What if I don't have a credit or debit card to pay online?

The online renewal system only accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. If you don't have a card, you can renew in person at a DPS office and pay by cash, check, or card. Find your nearest office at the DPS website.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your CDL, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Some endorsements may also require a skills test or medical certification.