You can renew your Texas driver license online if you meet a few basic requirements
Texas lets you renew your driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver license office. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online method. You must have a current, valid Texas license that is not suspended or revoked, and your license cannot have expired more than two years ago. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online renewal. If you need a new photo, a name change, or corrections to your personal information, you will need to visit a driver license office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your current license is valid and expired no more than two years ago.
- The online process costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card.
- You will receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you need a new photo, have a suspended license, or require a name change, you must visit a driver license office instead.
- You can update your address online during renewal without visiting an office.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Texas driver license and have it nearby when you begin. You will also need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The Texas DPS website will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, have your new address ready. You can update it as part of the online renewal without needing to visit an office. However, if you have moved out of state or your license shows incorrect information beyond your address, you will need to renew in person.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Texas DPS Online Services website and select the driver license renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will then ask you security questions to confirm your identity — these are based on your driving history and personal records, not questions you set yourself.
Once your identity is verified, you will review your current information on the license and make any updates needed. If your address has changed, enter the new one at this step. You cannot change your name, photo, or other personal details online; those changes require an in-person visit. After you confirm all information is correct, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this number — you may need it to track your license or if questions arise. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online
If your Texas license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a driver license office and resolve the suspension or revocation before renewing. The same applies if your license expired more than two years ago — the system will not allow online renewal, and you will need to explore for a new license in person.
You also cannot renew online if you need a new photo, want to change your name, or need to correct information beyond your address. These changes require an in-person appointment at a driver license office. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, you can call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before starting the process.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The Texas DPS processes online renewals in the order they are received. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address you provided during renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time your renewal is processed. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, you can contact the Texas DPS to check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number. If your license arrives damaged or with errors, contact the DPS when ready — they can reissue it or correct the information at no additional cost if the error was made by the department.
Updating your address during online renewal
Changing your address online during renewal is one of the main advantages of the process. When you review your current information, you will see a field to enter your new address. Make sure the address is correct before you confirm — this is where your new license will be mailed and where the DPS will send any official correspondence.
If you have moved and need your address updated when ready for other purposes, updating it during license renewal is the fastest way to do so without visiting an office. However, if you need an address change before your renewed license arrives, you can visit a driver license office to request an address-only update.
Payment and what the renewal costs
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time of renewal. The Texas DPS does not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewals. The fee is non-refundable once your renewal is submitted and processed.
The cost covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional fees for updating your address during online renewal. If you are a military member or veteran, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee or waived renewal fee — check the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm your may be able to access before renewing online.
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 visit a driver license office to explore for a new license. You will need to pass the written test and vision test as part of the new license process.
What if I need a new photo on my renewed license?
You cannot get a new photo through online renewal. You must visit a driver license office in person to renew your license with a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The office will take your photo during the appointment.
How do I track my renewed license after I submit the online renewal?
Use your confirmation number to check the status of your renewal on the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the DPS with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver license office, resolve the suspension or revocation, and then renew your license. Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out how to clear a suspension before renewing.
What if I made a mistake during online renewal?
If you notice an error after submitting your renewal, contact the Texas DPS when ready with your confirmation number. Depending on the error and how far along your renewal is, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the error was made by the DPS, they will reissue the license at no cost.