You can renew your Texas driver license online if you meet a few conditions
Texas lets you renew your driver license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is expired or expiring within the next 60 days. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you are over 85 years old, if you have a commercial driver license (CDL), or if your license was lost or stolen. You also cannot renew online if more than two years have passed since your license expired. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years or expires within the next 60 days, and you have no suspensions or name changes.
- The Texas DPS online renewal system accepts debit or credit card payment and costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary license for the interim.
- If you need to change your address, name, or license class, or if your license was suspended, you must go to a DPS office instead.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your Texas driver license number and your Social Security number — the DPS system will ask for both to verify your identity. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Have your current address ready; if you have moved since your license was issued, you will need to update it during renewal, which means you cannot complete the transaction online and must visit a DPS office instead.
If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online. The same applies if you want to change your address. Both of those changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office with supporting documents like a marriage certificate or court order.
Steps to renew your license on the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License Online Services" link. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and select the option for standard renewal (not CDL or commercial). The system will ask you to enter your driver license number and Social Security number to confirm your identity.
Review the information the system displays — your name, date of birth, address, and license expiration date. If any of this information is wrong, stop and visit a DPS office instead; you cannot correct it online. If everything is correct, confirm that you meet the renewal conditions (no suspensions, no name or address changes, license not expired more than two years ago). Then choose your license term: four years ($16) or eight years ($32).
Enter your debit or credit card information and submit payment. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. You will receive a confirmation email at the address on file with DPS.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on your DPS record. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. Texas does not issue a temporary paper license for online renewals, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to carry your old license along with the confirmation email or confirmation number from your renewal.
If your license has already expired and you are stopped by law enforcement, having proof of your renewal (the confirmation number or email) may help, but it is not a legal substitute for a valid license. If you need to drive when ready and your old license is expired, consider visiting a DPS office for an in-person renewal, which can sometimes be completed faster depending on office wait times.
When you must go to a DPS office instead
Visit a DPS office in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, if you are over 85 years old, or if you hold a commercial driver license. You also must go in person if you need to change your name, address, or license class, or if your license was lost or stolen.
To find your nearest DPS office, use the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment through the online system. Check your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and any documents needed for your specific situation (marriage certificate for a name change, for example).
Fees and payment for online renewal
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. These are the standard DPS renewal fees; there are no additional online processing charges. You pay by debit or credit card at the time you submit your renewal. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and will not process your renewal. Check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are correct and try again. If the problem persists, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has available funds, then return to the DPS website to complete your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
Only if it expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff can help you determine whether you need a standard renewal or a new license process.
What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?
Contact the DPS before you move and update your address on file. You can do this through the DPS website or by visiting an office. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address. If you have already submitted an online renewal with your old address, call the DPS to see if they can redirect it.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. Online renewals do not come with a temporary license. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, carry your old license and your renewal confirmation number or email as proof that you have renewed.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office can tell you the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to clear it before you can renew.
What if I never receive my renewed license in the mail?
Contact the DPS with your confirmation number and the date you completed your renewal. They can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There may be a reissue fee depending on the circumstances.