Renewing your Texas driver license online through Texas.gov
You can renew your Texas driver license online at texas.gov/dps if you meet certain requirements. The online renewal process is faster than going to a DPS office — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can renew online. You must have a valid, unexpired Texas driver license (or one that expired no more than two years ago), be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Social Security number on file with DPS, and have no medical or vision restrictions that require an in-person exam. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online.
The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check during the online transaction. Once approved, DPS mails your new license to the address on file — you do not pick it up in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at texas.gov/dps takes about 10 minutes and costs $33 for four years or $66 for eight years.
- You must have a valid or recently expired Texas license, be a U.S. citizen, and have no medical or vision restrictions to renew online.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not visit a DPS office.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
- You will need your Texas driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online process.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by going to texas.gov/dps and looking for the "Renew Your Driver License" option on the homepage. Click that link to enter the DPS online renewal system. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
After verification, review your current license information on screen. Update your address if you have moved, but note that you cannot change your name, date of birth, or other personal details online — those changes require an in-person visit. Confirm your mailing address, since your new license will be sent there.
Next, you will answer health and vision questions. These are the same questions asked on the paper renewal form. Answer honestly — if you have had any changes to your vision, medical conditions, or medications since your last license was issued, you may be disqualified from online renewal and directed to visit a DPS office instead.
Choose your license term (four or eight years) and review the fee. Enter your payment information — credit card, debit card, or e-check. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
DPS processes your renewal process within one to two business days. You will receive an email confirming that your process was received and another email when it is approved. Your new license is then printed and mailed to the address you provided.
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS mails your license. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would have to visit a DPS office in person and request a temporary license while waiting for the permanent one.
While you wait for your new license, your old license remains valid. You can continue to drive and use it for identification until the new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in.
Who cannot renew online and what to do instead
You must visit a DPS office in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than two years ago, if you have medical or vision restrictions, or if you are not a U.S. citizen. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, date of birth, or gender marker.
To renew in person, find your nearest DPS office at texas.gov/dps and check the office's hours and any wait times. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online ($33 or $66), and you receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed.
If your license was suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other court-ordered obligations, you must resolve those issues before DPS will renew it. Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and how to clear it.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
You can update your mailing address during online renewal. Enter your new address in the form, and your new license will be mailed there. If you have moved but do not renew your license yet, you can update your address separately through the DPS website without renewing — this is useful if your license is not due for renewal for another year or more.
You cannot change your name, date of birth, gender marker, or organ donor status online. If you need to make any of these changes, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that supports the change — for example, a marriage certificate for a name change or a court order for a gender marker change.
Payment methods and fees for online renewal
Online renewal accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and e-checks. There is no additional fee for paying online — the $33 or $66 renewal fee is the only charge. Do not pay through any third-party website or service claiming to renew your license for you; the only official renewal site is texas.gov/dps.
If your payment is declined, check that your card information is correct and that you have sufficient funds. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or visit a DPS office to renew in person and pay with cash, check, or card at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, online renewal is only for licenses that are valid or expired within the past two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document with your number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
DPS processes your process within one to two business days, then mails your license. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the mailing date. In total, expect 8 to 12 business days from the time you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you notice an error before you submit payment, go back and correct it. If you already submitted and paid, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to see if the process can be cancelled before processing. If it has already been processed, you may need to visit a DPS office to request a correction or reissue.
Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction on my license?
No, any medical or vision restriction disqualifies you from online renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person so an examiner can assess whether the restriction still applies or if it can be removed. Bring documentation from your doctor if your condition has improved.
What if my address is wrong in the DPS system?
Update your address during the online renewal process before you submit payment. Your new license will be mailed to the corrected address. If you discover the error after submitting, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to see if the mailing address can be changed before your license is printed.