You can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Texas allows online renewal through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website for drivers whose licenses are expiring soon or have expired within a certain window. You do not need to visit a DPS office or mail anything in — the entire process happens on your computer or phone. The catch is that not every driver qualifies: your license must be a standard Class C license (not a commercial license), you cannot have certain medical conditions flagged on your record, and your license cannot have been suspended or revoked.
The online system costs $25 and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not meet the online requirements, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only for standard Class C licenses that are expiring or expired within the last two years, and only if your license has never been suspended or revoked.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online renewal.
- The renewal fee is $25 and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days — you cannot pick it up in person.
- If your address has changed, you can update it during the online renewal process without visiting an office.
- Drivers with medical conditions, commercial licenses, or suspended licenses must renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Online renewal is limited to drivers with a standard Class C license who have not had their license suspended, revoked, or cancelled. Your license must be expiring within the next 60 days or have expired within the past two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew in person.
You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions or restrictions on your license, if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). Drivers under 18 cannot renew online. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, the DPS website has a tool that checks your may be able to access before you start the process.
What you need before you start
Gather your Texas driver's license number and your Social Security number — both are required to log in. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $25 renewal fee. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, have your current address ready. You can update it during the renewal process. If you have changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), you cannot use the online system and must renew in person with a certified name-change document.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.
Next, you will review your address and contact information. Update your address if it has changed. You cannot change your name, gender marker, or other identifying information online — those changes require an in-person visit. After confirming your information, you will enter your payment details and submit the $25 fee. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license or digital copy — you will need to wait for the physical card to arrive. If you need to drive before it arrives, your old license remains valid until the new one is delivered.
What happens if you do not meet the online requirements
If you cannot renew online, you have two other options: renew in person at a DPS office or renew by mail. In-person renewal takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you can get a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks — but you do not have to leave home.
To renew by mail, you will need to request an process from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. You fill out the form, include a new photo (or request a photo waiver), and mail it with your old license and the renewal fee. Mail renewal costs $25, the same as online renewal.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
The online renewal system lets you update your mailing address and phone number. If you have moved, enter your new address and it will appear on your renewed license. However, you cannot change your name, gender marker, or driver classification online.
If you need to update your address but your license is not expiring soon, you can change your address separately through the DPS website without renewing your license. This is useful if you have moved but your license is still valid for several years.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
After you submit your online renewal, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Save or print this number — it is your proof that you have renewed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license is still valid and you can continue to use it to drive.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if needed. Do not assume it is lost — mail delivery times can vary, especially during peak renewal periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are expiring within 60 days or expired within the past two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.
What if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?
You cannot change your name online. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of your name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue a new license the same day.
Do I get a temporary license when I renew online?
No. Online renewal does not issue a temporary license. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives by mail, so you can continue to drive. If you need a temporary license for work or travel, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification if required. Standard Class C licenses can be renewed online, but CDLs cannot.
What if my payment is declined during online renewal?
If your card is declined, the system will ask you to try again with a different card or payment method. Make sure your card has sufficient funds and that your billing address matches what your bank has on file. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person or by mail instead.