You can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements
Texas allows you to renew your driver's license through the Department of Public Safety website without visiting a driver's license office. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a two-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 renew online. You must have a valid Texas driver's license that is not expired by more than two years, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a Social Security number on file with the state, and have a current mailing address on record. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online — you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no suspensions, revocations, or address changes that need verification.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the renewal.
- The renewal fee is $16 for two years or $32 for eight years, paid directly during the online transaction.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you need to change your name, address, or other information, you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your renewed license.
Review all the information on the screen — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is incorrect, stop and do not complete the renewal online. Instead, visit a driver's license office to make corrections before renewing. Once you confirm the information is correct, you'll choose your renewal term (two years or eight years) and proceed to payment.
Enter your debit or credit card information to pay the renewal fee. Texas 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 — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. You can continue to drive legally using your old license until your new one arrives, even though your old license may show an expiration date that has passed.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number ready. The department can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if needed.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
You must renew in person at a driver's license office if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement), or if you need to correct other information on your license.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances — CDL renewals always require an in-person visit and a driving test in some cases. Similarly, if you are renewing a license with hazmat endorsement, you must visit an office in person.
Documents and information you'll need
Have your current Texas driver's license and Social Security number ready before you start the online renewal. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Make sure the payment card is in your name or that you have permission to use it.
The online system does not require you to upload documents or provide proof of residency. However, the system will verify your identity using information already on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety, so accuracy matters. If the system cannot verify you, it will direct you to an office location.
Renewal fees and payment options
A two-year renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only two options available for online renewal. Texas accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system.
The fee is non-refundable once your renewal is submitted and payment is processed. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot cancel the transaction through the website — contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789 to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online if you need to change your address. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, call 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must visit a driver's license office in person and resolve the suspension before you can renew.
What should I do if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online — usually because of a suspension, an expired license that is too old, or information that does not match. Visit a driver's license office with your current license and proof of residency to renew in person.