What You Can and Cannot Do Online for a Texas Driver's License

What Texas Lets You Do Online

Texas does not issue driver's licenses entirely online. You cannot complete the full process from your computer or phone. However, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does let you handle some steps online through their website, which can save you time at the office.

The online options available are: renewing an expiring license, changing your address, updating your name after marriage or legal change, and requesting a duplicate license if yours was lost or stolen. You can also check the status of an process you have already started in person. What you cannot do online is explore for your first license, pass the written or driving test, or take your photo — those require an in-person visit to a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Texas allows online renewal for licenses that are not expired and do not require a new photo or medical documentation.
Address changes, name changes, and duplicate requests can be completed online through the DPS website without visiting an office.
First-time applicants, people renewing after expiration, and anyone needing a new photo must visit a DPS office in person.
Online transactions cost the same as in-person ones, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

How to Renew Your License Online

To renew online, your current license must not be expired, and you must not need a new photo. Texas requires a new photo every 8 years for adults under 85, and every 5 years for adults 85 and older. If your renewal notice says you need a new photo, you must renew in person instead.

Go to the DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter these details and answer security questions to verify your identity. Review the information on your license and make any corrections if needed. Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card — Texas does not accept checks or cash online. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your order.

Changing Your Address or Name Online

If you have moved or changed your name and want to update your license without renewing it, you can do this online. Go to the DPS website and select "Change Address" or "Change Name." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

For an address change, enter your new address and confirm it is correct. For a name change, you will need to upload a document that shows your new name — this can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change. The document must be a clear image or PDF file. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number.

A new license reflecting your updated information will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change. A name change costs the same as a renewal fee. Your current license is still valid for driving until it expires, but using it after a legal name change can cause problems with law enforcement or when you travel, so update it as soon as possible.

Requesting a Duplicate License Online

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a duplicate online. Go to the DPS website and select "Order a Duplicate License." Log in with your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

Select the reason your license needs to be replaced — lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to order a duplicate. Review your current information and make any corrections. Pay the duplicate fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your duplicate license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license. If you reported your license as stolen and later find it, you do not need to do anything — the old one will straightforward expire on its scheduled date.

When You Must Go to a DPS Office in Person

First-time applicants cannot complete any part of the process online. You must visit a DPS office to explore, take the written test, pass the driving test, and have your photo taken. Bring your documents to prove identity, residency, and Social Security number. The DPS website lists which documents are accepted.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person. You will need to retake the written test and the driving test. If your license is expiring soon and you need a new photo, you also must renew in person. People who have had their license suspended or revoked must visit an office to restore driving privileges.

If you are renewing and your medical certification has expired or you have a medical condition that requires documentation, you must renew in person. The same applies if you are changing your license class — for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver's license (CDL) designation.

Documents and Fees for Online Transactions

Online transactions do not require you to bring physical documents to an office, but you still need to have certain information ready. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. For name changes, you must upload an image or PDF of your legal name-change document.

Fees for online transactions are the same as in-person ones. A standard renewal costs between $16 and $33 depending on how many years you are renewing for. A duplicate license costs $11. An address change is free. A name change costs the same as a renewal. All fees are paid by credit or debit card at the time you submit your request online. Texas does not refund fees if you change your mind after submitting.

Checking Your process Status Online

If you have already started an process in person at a DPS office, you can check its status online. Go to the DPS website and select "Check process Status." Enter your driver's license number or process number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The system will show you whether your process is pending, approved, or rejected. If it has been approved, it will tell you when your license was mailed. If it has been rejected, it will explain why — common reasons include missing documents, incorrect information, or a failed test. If your process was rejected, you will need to visit a DPS office to reapply or correct the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and retake the written and driving tests. If it expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew online if you do not need a new photo. Check the DPS website or call your local DPS office to confirm whether your situation qualifies.

What if I do not receive my new license within 10 business days?

Contact the DPS directly using the phone number on their website. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can track your license and tell you whether it was mailed and when it should arrive. If there was an error in your mailing address, they can correct it and resend your license.

Do I need to bring my old license when I pick up a new one?

You do not pick up a new license — it is mailed to you. Your old license remains valid until it expires. You do not need to return it unless it was reported stolen, in which case you should destroy it or contact the DPS for instructions.

Can I change my address online if I just moved out of state?

If you have moved out of Texas, you should not update your Texas license. Instead, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still live in Texas but moved within the state, you can update your address online through the DPS website.

What happens if I submit incorrect information online?

If you notice an error after submitting, contact the DPS when ready. Depending on what was wrong and how far along your process is, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If your license arrives with incorrect information, you can request a correction in person at a DPS office or by mail.

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.