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 an office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as renewing in person, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you have restrictions that changed, or you need to update your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. The online option is only for straightforward renewals where nothing about your driving record or personal information has changed.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions to report.
- The online renewal process happens through the DPS website and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- You will need your current Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an office.
- If you need to change your address, add restrictions, or renew after a two-year expiration, you must renew by mail or in person instead.
Who can renew online and who cannot
The DPS online renewal system is open to Texas residents whose license has not expired by more than two years. If your license expired in 2022 or later, you are within the window. If it expired before 2022, you must renew through another method.
You also cannot use the online system if you have medical conditions, vision problems, or other restrictions that need to be reported or updated. The online form does not include fields for these disclosures. If your health or vision has changed since your last renewal, or if you are adding restrictions for the first time, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Non-citizens and permanent residents can renew online if they meet the expiration and restriction requirements. However, if your immigration status has changed or your work authorization document is expiring soon, renew in person so the DPS can verify your current status.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you log into the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid payment method — the DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person; it varies based on how long your new license is valid for (typically $16 to $32 for a standard license).
Have your license in front of you while you renew. The system will ask you to confirm information printed on it, and you will need your license number to start the process. If you cannot locate your license or do not remember your license number, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will be taken to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the information currently on file.
Review the personal information displayed — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, confirm it and move to the payment screen. If your address has changed, you cannot update it online; stop here and renew by mail or in person instead.
Enter your payment information and submit. The system will process your payment when ready and send you a confirmation number by email. Save this number; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your payment is processed, your renewal is complete. You do not need to do anything else. The DPS will print your new license and mail it to your current address. You cannot pick up your license at an office or have it mailed to a different address.
While you wait for your new license, your old license remains valid. You can continue to use it to drive and for identification purposes. If you need to travel by air or enter a federal building before your new license arrives, you can use your old license along with a second form of ID, or bring your renewal confirmation email as proof that a new license is on the way.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS using the phone number on their website. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if it was lost in transit.
When you must renew in person or by mail instead
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff will verify your identity, check your vision, and process your renewal on the spot. You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, though this takes longer.
If you need to change your address, add a new restriction, or update your name, you must renew in person or by mail. The online system does not allow you to make these changes. If you attempt to renew online when you have a pending address change, the system will reject your renewal and direct you to the in-person or mail option.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a hazmat endorsement, you cannot renew online. CDL renewals require an in-person visit and a skills test in some cases. Contact your local DPS office for CDL renewal details.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard Texas driver's license ranges from $16 to $32, depending on whether you are renewing for four or six years. The DPS website will show you the exact fee before you enter your payment information, so there are no surprises at checkout.
The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. They do not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewals. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail.
The fee is the same whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. Online renewal does not cost more or less than other methods. You are paying only for the license itself, not for the convenience of renewing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or in person. You must contact the DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once that is cleared, you can renew through the method that applies to your situation.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you submitted your renewal and realized you made an error, contact the DPS when ready using the phone number on their website. Have your confirmation number ready. Depending on what was wrong, the DPS may be able to correct it before your license is printed, or they may issue you a corrected license after your new one arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. The DPS uses your photo from your current license for your new license. You do not take a new photo for online renewal. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Can I renew online if I changed my name?
No. If you changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring a certified copy of your name change document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process a name change online.
How do I know if my renewal was successful?
You will receive a confirmation email when ready after your payment is processed. This email contains your confirmation number and the mailing address where your new license will be sent. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact the DPS to confirm your renewal went through.