You can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Texas allows online renewal through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only for certain drivers. You must have a valid license that is not suspended or revoked, you cannot have medical conditions that require DPS review, and your license cannot be expired by more than two years. If you meet these conditions, the online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.
The online system does not issue a physical license when ready. After you complete the renewal, DPS mails your new license to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is valid, not suspended, and expired no more than two years ago.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can print your confirmation as temporary proof.
- If you have medical conditions, suspensions, or address changes, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
- Texas offers both four-year and eight-year renewal terms, and the cost depends on which you choose.
Who can renew online and who cannot
You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current Texas driver's license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have no medical conditions that require DPS evaluation, and your license expired no more than two years ago. You also cannot have an active commercial driver's license (CDL) or a hazmat endorsement.
You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that DPS needs to review, if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you are renewing a CDL, or if you are adding or removing endorsements. Certain criminal convictions also require in-person renewal.
Steps to renew online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and the date of birth on your license. Have a debit or credit card ready to pay the renewal fee.
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose your renewal term: four years or eight years. Review your address and contact information; if either needs to change, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit a DPS office instead. After you confirm all details and pay the fee, DPS will send you a confirmation number by email and on screen. Save or print this number—you may need it to track your renewal or as proof while you wait for your new license.
How long it takes and what to expect after you submit
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your online renewal. DPS mails your new license to the address on file during renewal. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print your confirmation email or screenshot the confirmation number from the website and carry it with your old license as proof of renewal.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If your address changed after you renewed, your license may be delayed; contact DPS when ready to update your mailing address.
Renewal fees and payment options
A four-year renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32. You can pay only by debit card or credit card during online renewal; DPS does not accept cash, check, or money order through the online system. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and you cannot get a refund if you change your mind after paying.
If you are a Texas veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount on your renewal fee. Check the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 before you renew to confirm whether you may have access to and how to claim the discount.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, the most common reasons are a suspension or revocation on your record, a medical condition flagged in the system, or an expired license that is more than two years old. You will need to visit a DPS office in person to renew.
To find a DPS office near you, use the office locator on dps.texas.gov. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If your license is suspended, you may need to resolve the suspension first—contact DPS to find out what steps are required. If your license expired more than two years ago, DPS may require you to pass a vision test and written exam in addition to paying the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test and written exam.
What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?
You cannot change your address during online renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time.
Can I renew online if I have a suspended license?
No. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting DPS or paying any outstanding fines or fees. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements.
How do I know if my confirmation number worked?
DPS will send you a confirmation email with your confirmation number and renewal details. You can also log back into the renewal portal with your license number and Social Security number to check your status at any time.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number. DPS can reissue your license or correct errors at no additional cost if the error was made by DPS.