How to Renew Your Texas Driver's License Online

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements, but not all renewals may have access to

You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed, and you do not need to update your address, name, or other personal information. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your payment is processed.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you have changed your address or name, you need to add or remove restrictions, or you have medical conditions that affect your driving, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The same applies if you want to change your photo or if your current license was suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and nothing about your personal information or medical status has changed.
The online process costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
If your license expired more than two years ago or your personal information changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather your current Texas driver's license and have it in front of you when you begin. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The DPS system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

Have a valid payment method ready—the DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will also need an email address where you can receive your confirmation. Do not start the renewal if you are unsure whether your license meets the requirements; the system will reject your process partway through if you do not may have access to, and you will have wasted time.

How to renew online step by step

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click on the link for online renewal and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct.

Review your address, name, and any restrictions or medical conditions listed on your record. If anything is wrong or has changed, stop here and renew in person instead—the online system cannot make corrections. If everything matches, proceed to the payment screen. Choose your license validity period (four or eight years), enter your payment information, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email when ready after payment processes.

Write down or save your confirmation number. You can use it to track your new license on the DPS website. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure that address is current before you submit your renewal.

When you cannot renew online and must go in person

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. Texas law requires a new in-person appointment and a new photo for licenses that have been expired longer than 24 months. You will need to schedule an appointment at a DPS office and bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

You also cannot renew online if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, or need to update your medical information or driving restrictions. The same applies if you want a different photo on your new license or if your current license was suspended or revoked. In all these cases, visit a DPS office in your county to complete your renewal in person.

How long it takes and when your new license arrives

After you submit your online renewal, the DPS processes your payment when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for it to reach you. In total, expect to receive your new license within 10 to 15 business days from the date you submit your renewal.

You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until your new license is issued. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you lose your confirmation number, you can print a copy from your email or retrieve it from the DPS website using your driver's license number.

Tracking your renewal and what to do if something goes wrong

The Texas DPS website has a tool to track the status of your renewed license. Go to the DPS website, select "Check License Status," and enter your driver's license number and confirmation number. The system will tell you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered. This tool updates every few days, so check back if the status has not changed for more than a week.

If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number and driver's license number ready. The DPS can check whether your license was mailed to the correct address and can reissue it if it was lost in the mail. If your address was wrong on your renewal, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to correct it and request a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can renew online if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of residency and Social Security number.

What if I moved to a new address since my license was issued?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a DPS office in person to update your address and renew your license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

How much does online renewal cost?

Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit or debit card at the time of renewal. The fee is nonrefundable if you complete the transaction.

Can I renew online if I have medical conditions that affect my driving?

No. If you have medical conditions or restrictions, you must renew in person so a DPS officer can review your medical information and determine whether your restrictions need to change. Bring any medical documentation your doctor provided.

What if I do not receive my new license after 15 days?

Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number. They can verify whether your license was mailed and to which address. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it. If your address was incorrect, you will need to visit a DPS office to correct it.

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.