Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no disqualifying conditions. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a two-year renewal or $32 for a five-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you've had certain medical conditions reported to DPS; if you're required to take a vision or written test; or if you've had a name change since your last license was issued. Drivers under 18 also cannot renew online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no suspensions, revocations, or medical holds on your record.
- The Texas DPS website charges $16 for a two-year renewal or $32 for a five-year renewal, paid by credit or debit card at the time of renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person to complete your renewal.
Step-by-step process to renew online
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start. The system will verify your identity and check whether you're may be able to access to renew online; if you're not, you'll be told when ready and directed to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If you're may be able to access, the system will ask you to confirm your current address or update it if you've moved. Review all information carefully before submitting, because errors on your new license require a visit to a DPS office to correct. After you submit your renewal request and payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to check your renewal status later.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
DPS processes online renewals in the order they're received. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS processes your renewal. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time; Texas law allows you to drive on an expired license while your renewal is pending.
If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, you can check the status on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number. If there's a problem with your renewal, DPS will contact you by phone or mail at the number or address you provided. Keep your confirmation number in a safe place so you can reference it if you need to follow up.
Situations that require an in-person visit instead
You must visit a DPS office if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition on file that requires DPS review, if you need a name change on your license, or if you're under 18. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago; in that case, DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, and you'll need to pass a vision test and written exam.
If you've been convicted of certain traffic offenses or have an outstanding child support obligation, DPS may have placed a hold on your license that prevents online renewal. The system will tell you if a hold exists and what you need to do to clear it before you can renew. In some cases, you may need to contact another agency (such as the Texas Attorney General's office for child support issues) to resolve the hold before DPS can process your renewal.
Payment and what your renewal costs
Online renewal costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal request. DPS does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewals. The fee is non-refundable once your renewal is submitted, even if you change your mind or if DPS later determines you were ineligible.
Some drivers may be may have access to to a reduced fee or free renewal based on age or military service, but these discounts are not available through the online system. If you believe you may have access to for a discount, you'll need to renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your may be able to access, such as a military ID or documentation of your age status.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If the online system tells you that you're ineligible to renew, or if you prefer to renew in person, you can schedule an appointment at a DPS office through the Texas DPS website. Appointments typically have shorter wait times than walk-ins. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
If you've moved to Texas from another state, you may need to provide additional documents such as proof of citizenship or a birth certificate. Check the DPS website for the full list of documents required for your situation before you visit an office. Having the right documents ready will speed up your in-person renewal.
How to check the status of your online renewal
Use your confirmation number and driver's license number on the Texas DPS website to check whether your renewal has been processed and mailed. The status page will tell you whether your license is in production, has been mailed, or is ready for pickup (if you chose to pick it up at an office instead of having it mailed).
If the status hasn't changed in more than 10 business days, contact DPS by phone or visit an office to find out what's holding up your renewal. DPS customer service can tell you whether there's a problem with your process or if your license is straightforward delayed in the mail system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, DPS treats it as a new process, not a renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person, pass a vision test and written exam, and provide proof of citizenship and residency. You cannot use the online renewal system.
What if I move after I submit my online renewal?
Contact DPS when ready with your new address before your license is mailed. If your license is mailed to your old address and you don't receive it, you can request that DPS remail it to your new address. You'll need your confirmation number and driver's license number to make this request.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Can I renew my license online if I have a medical condition?
It depends on the condition. Some medical conditions require DPS review before renewal is allowed. The online system will tell you when ready if a medical hold prevents you from renewing online. If one does, you'll need to visit a DPS office and may need to provide a medical report from your doctor.
What if the online system says I'm ineligible but I think I should be able to renew?
Contact the Texas DPS by phone or visit a local office to ask why you're ineligible. Common reasons include a suspension or revocation you may not be aware of, a medical hold, or an outstanding child support obligation. DPS can explain the specific reason and tell you what you need to do to become may be able to access.