How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Online

What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Texas

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no changes to your personal information, and you have no medical or legal restrictions on your record. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or gender marker; if you have a suspended or revoked license; or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a DPS driver's license office.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address, name, or information changes.
The online renewal fee is $25 for five years or $50 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the transaction.
You need your current Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.
Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
If you have a suspended license, medical condition, or CDL, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal

Start at the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver's License" section and select "Renew Online." You will 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 record.

Review all the information displayed on your screen. If everything is correct — your name, address, date of birth, and restrictions — proceed to the next step. Do not continue if you see any errors or outdated information. If information is wrong, you must stop and renew in person at a DPS office instead.

Select your license term: five years ($25) or eight years ($50). Enter your payment information. Texas DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number; you may need it to track your renewal or contact DPS.

Documents and Information You Need Before Starting

Gather these items before you log in to the renewal portal. You will need your current Texas driver's license (to read the license number), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the $25 or $50 renewal fee. You do not need to print or upload any documents for online renewal.

If you have changed your address since your license was issued, do not use the online system. Address changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office. The same applies if you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition — these changes must be handled at an office with supporting documents.

Timeline: When Your License Arrives and What to Do While You Wait

After you complete online renewal, your process is submitted when ready. DPS typically approves online renewals within one business day. Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of approval.

You can legally drive on your expired license until your new license arrives in the mail. You do not need a temporary license or permit. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you are concerned about the expiration date, carry a copy of your renewal confirmation email as proof that you have renewed.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a local DPS office with your confirmation number. Delays are uncommon but can happen due to mail delivery issues.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. In that case, you must visit a DPS driver's license office in person. You also cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason — legal, medical, or administrative. A DPS employee must review your case before you can renew.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person. CDL renewals require a medical examination and a knowledge test in some cases, depending on your endorsements and medical status. If you have a hazmat endorsement, you must also pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which can only be done at an office.

Medical conditions that prevent online renewal include certain vision problems, seizure disorders, or other conditions that require DPS medical review. If you have reported a medical condition to DPS in the past, check your license record or call DPS before attempting online renewal to confirm you are may be able to access.

Common Mistakes That Block Online Renewal

The most common mistake is attempting to renew online when your license has been expired for more than two years. The system will reject your process when ready. Check your license expiration date before you start. If it expired more than 24 months ago, go to a DPS office instead.

Another frequent error is trying to change your address or name during online renewal. The online system does not allow these changes. If you need to update your address, you must do so in person. Attempting to proceed with outdated information will cause the system to flag your process or reject it.

Some people enter their Social Security number or date of birth incorrectly. The system will not find a match and will reject your identity verification. Double-check these numbers before submitting. If you are unsure of your Social Security number, stop and verify it before trying again.

Fees, Payment Methods, and What Happens After You Pay

Texas driver's license renewal fees are $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. These are the only fees charged for online renewal; there are no additional processing, convenience, or administrative fees. The fee is non-refundable once payment is processed, even if you cancel the renewal before completion.

Payment is accepted only by credit or debit card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash online. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. Your credit card statement will show a charge from "Texas DPS" or "State of Texas."

After payment is approved, you receive a confirmation number on screen and in an email sent to the address on file with DPS. Save this confirmation number. If you need to check the status of your renewal or contact DPS about your process, you will need this number. The email also contains a link to track your license status.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The online system only works for licenses expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than 24 months ago, you must renew in person at a DPS driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a valid passport.

What if I made a mistake during online renewal and need to cancel?

If you have not yet submitted payment, you can close your browser and start over. If you have already paid, your renewal cannot be cancelled online. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number to discuss a refund or correction. Refunds are issued only in limited circumstances, such as duplicate payments.

Can I renew online if I have a suspended license?

No. The online system will reject your process if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must visit a DPS office in person. A DPS employee will review the reason for the suspension and determine whether you are able to renew. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to visit a DPS office and pay for a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

What should I do if my renewed license arrives damaged or with incorrect information?

Contact DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a local DPS office with your damaged or incorrect license and your confirmation number. DPS will issue a replacement at no additional cost if the error was made by DPS. If the damage occurred after you received the license, you may be charged a replacement fee.

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.