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 you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew through their website without visiting a driver's license office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not every driver can use the online system. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to update your address or name, if you have a medical condition DPS needs to review, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and nothing about your health, name, or address has changed.
- The renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by debit or credit card during the online transaction.
- You need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the renewal on the DPS website.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at a DPS office through their website or call 1-888-589-6789.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Texas driver's license, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Have these ready before you go to the DPS website so you do not have to stop and search for them halfway through.
Make sure the address and name on your license are still correct. If either has changed since your last renewal, the online system will not let you complete the transaction, and you will need to go to a DPS office instead. The online renewal only works when everything stays the same.
Steps to renew online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver's License" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver's License Online." The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to pull up your record.
Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your current details. If anything is wrong, stop and do not proceed—you will need to visit a DPS office to correct it. If everything is correct, answer the questions about your health and any medical conditions. Answer honestly; if you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the online system will stop and direct you to an office visit.
Once you pass the health questions, you will see the renewal fee. Choose whether you want a four-year license ($16) or an eight-year license ($32). Enter your debit or credit card information and complete the payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this number in case you need to check on your renewal status.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The DPS processes online renewals and mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time—it remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state or for official purposes before your new license arrives, your expired license and the confirmation email from DPS are usually enough to show you have a valid renewal in progress.
If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, check the DPS website for a tracking option or call 1-888-589-6789 to ask about the status. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online system. The same applies if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement. You also cannot renew online if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, or if you have a medical condition that DPS needs to evaluate in person.
In any of these cases, you must schedule an appointment at a DPS office. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the office location nearest you, and book a time slot. You can also call 1-888-589-6789 to schedule. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you moved (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents needed for a name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
Cost and payment options
Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. There is no additional fee for renewing online instead of in person—the price is the same either way.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee is identical. The only difference is that in-person renewal may take longer because you have to travel to an office and wait for an appointment, whereas online renewal happens from home and takes about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired by more than two years?
No. The online system only works for licenses expired two years or less. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Call 1-888-589-6789 or visit dps.texas.gov to schedule an appointment.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You cannot update your address through online renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Schedule an appointment at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-888-589-6789.
Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. Your expired license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives by mail. If you need to show proof that a renewal is in progress, keep your confirmation email from the DPS. For official purposes, this email and your expired license together show you have a valid renewal pending.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
The DPS mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, check dps.texas.gov for a tracking option or call 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number.
What if the online system rejects my renewal?
The system rejects renewals when your license is expired more than two years, your address or name has changed, you report a medical condition, or you hold a CDL. In any case, you must schedule an in-person appointment at a DPS office. Visit dps.texas.gov or call 1-888-589-6789 to book a time.