You can renew your Texas driver's license online if your license is not expired more than two years and you meet a few other conditions
Texas lets you renew your driver's license through the Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office in person. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Not every driver can use the online route. You must have a valid Texas driver's license that is not expired more than two years, a Social Security number on file with DPS, and a valid email address. If your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license expired within the last two years and you have no suspensions, revocations, or address changes.
- The renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by credit card, debit card, or e-check during the online transaction.
- You start the renewal at the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- 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 you have any restrictions or changes to report, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll also need a valid email address where DPS can send your renewal confirmation and status updates. Have a credit card, debit card, or bank account information ready to pay the renewal fee.
Check your current license to confirm it has not expired more than two years ago. Look at the expiration date printed on the front. If your license expired in 2022 or earlier, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office. If you have any doubt about your may be able to access, you can call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 before starting the online process.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Renew Your Driver License Online" from the menu. You'll be taken to a page that asks you to confirm you meet the renewal requirements — no suspensions, no address changes, no name changes, and a license expired within two years.
Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS will verify this information against their records. If the information matches, you'll move to the next screen where you review your current license details. Check that your name, address, and other information are correct. If anything is wrong, stop here and visit a DPS office instead, because you cannot make changes online.
Once you confirm your details are correct, you'll choose your license term: four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Then you'll enter your email address and payment information. DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and e-check payments. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and an email confirmation. Save both for your records.
When you cannot renew online
You must visit a DPS office in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have an active suspension or revocation, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information. You also cannot renew online if you want to add or remove restrictions, such as corrective lenses or an organ donor designation.
If you've had a change in your vision, medical condition, or driving record since your last license was issued, you may need to take a new written test or vision test at the office. Drivers over 79 years old must renew in person and may be required to pass a driving test. If you're unsure whether your situation requires an in-person visit, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 before attempting online renewal.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
DPS will send you an email confirmation within a few minutes of your submission. This email includes your confirmation number and tells you the status of your renewal. Most renewals are approved within 24 hours. You can check the status of your renewal anytime by returning to the DPS website and entering your confirmation number.
Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact DPS to confirm your mailing address is correct.
Finding a DPS office if you need to renew in person
If you cannot renew online, you'll need to visit a DPS Driver License office. Use the office locator tool on dps.texas.gov to find the nearest location to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.
Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot in advance through the website, which often reduces your wait time. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times vary. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DPS website to see what your local office offers. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
DPS approves most online renewals within 24 hours. Your new license is then mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What if I need to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address online. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office can tell you what steps are needed to clear the suspension before you can renew.
What payment methods does DPS accept for online renewal?
DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and e-check. You cannot pay with cash, check, or money order online. If you prefer those payment methods, you must renew in person at a DPS office.