Texas DPS closed driver license offices statewide due to a system outage, and you cannot renew, replace, or get a new license in person until service resumes

On certain dates, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has shut down all driver license offices across the state because their computer systems went offline. When this happens, you cannot walk into any DPS office to renew your license, get a replacement, take a written test, or conduct any in-person transaction. The offices reopen once DPS restores its systems, but the timing is unpredictable — outages can last hours or days.

If you need a license before the offices reopen, you have limited options. Some transactions can be handled by mail or online, but not all. Understanding what you can and cannot do during an outage, and how long you can legally drive on an expired license, matters if you are on a important date.

Key Takeaways

  • During a DPS system outage, all Texas driver license offices close and no in-person transactions are possible, regardless of how urgent your need is.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online through the DPS website if you are not changing your address, medical information, or license class — but only if your license is not yet expired.
  • If your license is already expired, you must wait for offices to reopen or contact DPS directly to learn whether any alternative exists for your specific situation.
  • Driving on an expired license in Texas is a traffic violation, so if your license expires during an outage, you should not drive until you renew it in person.
  • DPS does not always announce outages in advance, so checking the DPS website or calling their main line before you go to an office can save you a wasted trip.

How to renew your license without going to an office

If your license is still valid (not yet expired), you can renew it online or by mail without waiting for offices to reopen. Go to the DPS website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online process takes about 10 minutes, and DPS will mail your new license to the address on file.

Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer. You fill out the renewal form (available on the DPS website), include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing time is typically two to three weeks, plus mailing time in both directions. Mail renewal is only an option if you are not changing your address or any other information on your license.

Both online and mail renewal require that your license class, medical information, and address stay the same. If you need to change any of these, you must do it in person at a DPS office, which means you will have to wait for the outage to end.

What to do if your license expires during an outage

If your license expires while DPS offices are closed, you cannot legally drive until you renew it in person. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas, even if the expiration happened because you could not access a DPS office. A police officer can cite you, and you will have to pay a fine.

If you are in this situation, your best option is to contact DPS directly by phone to explain the timing. Call the DPS Driver License Division at their main number (which you can find on the DPS website) and ask whether they can issue a temporary extension or provide any alternative. DPS does not always grant extensions, but it is worth asking, especially if you can show that the expiration happened during a documented outage.

Until you hear back from DPS or offices reopen, do not drive. If you absolutely must drive for work or an emergency, ask someone with a valid license to drive instead, or use a rideshare service.

How to know when offices will reopen

DPS does not always announce outages before they happen, and they do not always give a specific time when offices will reopen. Your best sources of information are the DPS website and the DPS social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter/X). Check these before you leave home to go to a driver license office.

You can also call the DPS Driver License Division directly. The wait time may be long during an outage, but the person who answers can tell you whether offices are currently open and when they expect to reopen. If you cannot reach anyone, that usually means the outage is still ongoing.

Some DPS offices have local phone numbers listed on the DPS website. Calling your local office directly may get you through faster than calling the statewide number, though local lines also go down during system outages.

Transactions you cannot do online or by mail

Some driver license transactions require an in-person visit and cannot be done any other way. These include getting your first license, taking a written test, taking a driving test, changing your license class, updating your address if you moved, and getting a duplicate license if yours was lost or stolen. If you need any of these, you must wait for offices to reopen.

If you are moving out of state or your license was suspended or revoked, you also need to go in person. The same applies if you need to update your medical information or add or remove restrictions from your license.

Plan ahead for these transactions. If you know you will need a new license class or an address change, do not wait until your current license is about to expire. Getting it done early gives you a buffer if an outage happens.

What happens to your appointment if offices close

If you had a scheduled appointment at a DPS office and the office closes due to an outage, your appointment is cancelled. DPS does not automatically reschedule you. You will need to book a new appointment once offices reopen.

Check the DPS website or call to reschedule as soon as possible, because appointment slots fill up quickly after an outage ends. If you had an appointment for a driving test or written test, you may have to wait several weeks to get another one, depending on how busy your local office is.

If you had an appointment for a straightforward renewal and your license has not yet expired, consider doing it online or by mail instead of waiting for a new appointment slot.

Preparing for future outages

Outages are rare but unpredictable. If you know you will need a license renewal or replacement soon, do not wait until the last minute. Renew your license while it is still valid, either online or by mail, so an outage does not catch you with an expired license.

If you need an in-person transaction, book your appointment as far in advance as the DPS website allows. This gives you time to reschedule if an outage happens before your appointment date.

Save the DPS website and phone number in your phone so you can check the status before you go to an office. A two-minute check can save you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired during a DPS outage?

No. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas, even if the expiration happened because DPS offices were closed. Contact DPS by phone to ask about a temporary extension, but do not drive until your license is renewed or you receive written permission from DPS.

How long do DPS outages usually last?

There is no standard duration. Some outages last a few hours, while others last a full day or longer. DPS does not always announce how long the outage will take to fix. Check the DPS website or call their main line for updates.

Can I renew my license by mail if I am changing my address?

No. Mail and online renewal only work if your address, license class, and medical information stay the same. If you are moving, you must go to a DPS office in person to update your address on your license.

What if I have a driving test scheduled and the office closes?

Your appointment will be cancelled, and you will need to reschedule once offices reopen. Book a new appointment as soon as possible, because test slots fill up quickly after an outage ends.

Where can I learn about DPS offices are open right now?

Check the DPS website first — they post outage notices there. You can also call the DPS Driver License Division main line or your local DPS office. Social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter/X) sometimes have updates too.