Yes, you can renew online if your license meets certain conditions
Texas allows online renewal for driver's licenses, but only if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years. You renew through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website at txdps.texas.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by debit or credit card.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online — you must visit a DPS office in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information beyond a straightforward renewal. You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions on file or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Texas license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
- You renew at txdps.texas.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth to log in.
- The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to change personal information, you must visit a DPS office in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current or recently expired Texas driver's license handy. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to log into the DPS website. You also need a valid email address where DPS can send your confirmation and tracking information.
Make sure your address on file is correct before you begin. If your address has changed, you cannot fix it through the online renewal process — you will have to go to a DPS office instead. The same rule applies if your name has changed since your license was issued.
The step-by-step process on the DPS website
Go to txdps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Renew Your Driver License Online." The site will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth. After you verify this information, you will see your current license details on screen.
Review everything for accuracy — your name, address, and physical description. If anything is wrong, stop and visit a DPS office instead; the online system will not let you correct it. Once you confirm the information is correct, you will move to the payment screen. Enter your debit or credit card details and complete the transaction.
After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the online system will not let you renew. You must visit a DPS office and bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity. The in-person process takes longer and costs the same amount.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition or restriction on your license that requires a vision test or medical evaluation. DPS will tell you this when you try to start the online process. Additionally, if your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online — you must resolve the suspension or revocation first at a DPS office.
If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, you must do that in person. The online renewal system only updates your license with the information already on file.
How to track your new license after you renew
DPS sends a confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this number on the DPS website to check the status of your license. The status page will tell you whether your license is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number ready. DPS can tell you whether the license was mailed and can reissue it if it was lost in transit.
What to do if the online system rejects your renewal
The DPS website will tell you why it cannot process your renewal online. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than two years old, a suspension or revocation on your record, or a medical condition that requires testing. Read the message carefully — it will direct you to the next step.
If the reason is unclear, call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before you visit an office. They can explain what you need to do and whether you need to bring specific documents. This call can save you a trip if you need to gather paperwork first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired during COVID-19?
Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. Texas extended the expiration dates of many licenses during the pandemic, but those extensions have ended. Check your license to see the actual expiration date, not the date it was originally issued.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What if my address changed but I still want to renew online?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a DPS office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
DPS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact DPS to check the status.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. You must resolve the suspension first at a DPS office. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online if your license has not been expired for more than two years.