You can renew your Texas driver's license online if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions to report, and your address hasn't changed

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew online through their website at dps.texas.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by credit or debit 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 current license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your address, if you've had a name change since your last license, or if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review. If any of those explore, you'll need to renew in person at a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address or name changes to make.
  • You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the transaction online.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until it arrives.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license (you'll need the number on it), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card for payment. You'll also need to know your current mailing address exactly as it appears on your license.

If you've moved since your license was issued, stop here. You cannot update your address online. You'll need to go to a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office in person and bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Click on "Renew Your License Online." You'll be taken to a page that asks you to confirm you meet the requirements—no expired license older than two years, no address change, no medical conditions to report. Answer honestly; if you say yes to any restriction, the system will stop and direct you to renew in person instead.

Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information DPS has on file. Review it carefully. If anything is wrong—your name is misspelled, your height or eye color is incorrect—do not proceed online. These errors require in-person correction at a DPS office.

If everything matches, you'll choose your renewal term: four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number; you may need it if you have questions about your order.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time—an expired license is still valid for driving purposes while your renewal is in process.

If you don't receive your license within 10 business days, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 (toll-free) with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and tell you if there was a printing or mailing delay. Do not assume it's lost; mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.

When you cannot renew online and must go in person

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. The online system will not process renewals for licenses expired longer than 24 months. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it.

If you've changed your name since your last license—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you need to renew in person and bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The online system cannot process name changes.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you've been diagnosed with a condition since your last renewal, you must renew in person. DPS may require a medical report from your doctor before they issue your new license. The online system has no way to collect or review medical information.

Finding a DPS office or tax assessor-collector office near you

If you need to renew in person, you have two options: a DPS Driver License office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office. Both can process renewals, though wait times vary. Go to dps.texas.gov, click "Find a DPS Office," and enter your city or zip code. The map will show you every DPS office in your area, hours, and phone numbers.

County tax assessor-collector offices are often faster and less crowded than DPS offices, especially in rural areas. Search online for "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" to find the office nearest you. Call ahead to confirm they handle driver's license renewals and ask about current wait times. Some offices take appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to bring if you renew in person

Bring your expired or expiring Texas driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your number on it. If you've had a name change, bring the legal document that proves it: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Bring a payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, the same as online. You'll take a new photo at the office, so wear something you're comfortable being photographed in. Your new license will be ready to pick up when ready or mailed to you, depending on the office's process—ask when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but only if it expired within the last two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office. You can legally drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your online renewal. If you don't receive it within 10 days, call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number to check the status.

What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?

Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number as soon as possible. They can tell you whether the error can be corrected before your license is printed. If it cannot be corrected online, you may need to renew in person at a DPS office to fix it.

Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office.

Can I renew online if I'm a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder?

No. CDL renewals must be done in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew a commercial license online, even if your regular license is may be able to access for online renewal.