You can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Texas allows online renewal through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions that need review, and you have not had certain violations or address changes. 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.
If you do not meet the online requirements — for example, if your license expired more than two years ago or you need to update your address — you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety 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 medical restrictions or recent violations.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the transaction online.
- The renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid at the time you renew.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
You can renew online if your current Texas driver's license has been expired for no more than two years. You also must have no medical conditions or restrictions that require a DPS officer to review, no recent convictions for certain traffic offenses, and no pending name or address changes that need verification.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical condition listed on your license that needs updating, if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. In any of these cases, you must renew in person.
Steps to renew online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.
Review the information on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. If any information is wrong, you cannot correct it online and must visit a DPS office in person instead.
Enter your credit or debit card information to pay the renewal fee. Texas charges $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email confirmation, as you may need it to track your new license.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
The DPS processes online renewals and mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect your new license to arrive when ready — mail delivery times vary depending on your location.
You can use your old license to drive legally until your new one arrives, as long as it has not expired. If your old license has already expired, you should not drive until the new one is in your hands. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one is expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical condition that needs review, if you have recent traffic convictions, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal details. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).
In-person renewal at a DPS office or tax assessor-collector office takes longer than online renewal — you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. The fee is the same as online renewal: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Your new license is mailed to you, not given to you at the office.
Finding a DPS office or tax assessor-collector location near you
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all DPS driver's license offices on its website at dps.texas.gov. You can search by city or county to find the office closest to you and see its hours of operation. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
County tax assessor-collector offices also issue and renew driver's licenses in most Texas counties. You can find your county tax assessor-collector office by searching online for "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" or by calling your county government office. Tax assessor-collector offices often have shorter wait times than DPS offices, especially in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The online renewal system only works if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired longer ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office.
What if I made a mistake when I submitted my online renewal?
If you entered incorrect information before payment, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 to see if the transaction can be cancelled. If payment has already been processed, you may need to renew in person to correct the error, depending on what was wrong.
Do I get my new license at the office, or is it mailed to me?
Your new license is always mailed to the address on file, whether you renew online or in person. You cannot pick it up at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew online if I need to change my address?
No. If you need to change your address, name, or other personal information, you must renew in person. The online system only works if all your information is current and correct.
What payment methods does the online renewal system take?
The Texas DPS online renewal portal accepts credit and debit cards only. It does not accept cash, checks, or electronic bank transfers. Make sure you have a valid card available before you start the renewal process.