You can renew your Texas driver license online if your license is not expired more than two years and you meet a few other requirements
The Texas Department of Public Safety lets you renew online through their website without visiting a driver 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 credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, your address has not changed, and you have not had any name changes since your last renewal. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a driver license office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available only if your license expired within the last two years and your address and name have not changed.
- The renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card at the time of renewal.
- You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you have a medical condition, or your address or name changed, you must renew in person at a driver license office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Texas DPS website to renew: your current driver license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The online system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your license and Social Security record, so have your license in front of you.
If you do not have your license number memorized, look at the front of your physical license or your digital license in the Texas DPS mobile app. You can also call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask for your license number, though this adds time to the process.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will be taken to a page that asks whether you want to renew online or in person; choose online renewal. The system will then ask you to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
After you enter that information, the system verifies your identity against state records. If verification succeeds, you will see a form asking you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. Review each field carefully—if your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online process and must go to a driver license office instead. Once you confirm all information is correct, you will be asked to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
When you cannot renew online and must go in person
You must renew at a driver license office if your current license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, if your address has changed since your last renewal, if your name has changed, or if you need to update your license class or restrictions. Additionally, if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), online renewal is not available.
If you fall into any of these categories, find your nearest driver license office on the Texas DPS website, check their hours, and 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). Some offices require you to book an appointment online before you visit.
How long it takes to receive your renewed license
After you complete online renewal and your payment is processed, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal—you would have to renew in person at a driver license office and request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card.
If your renewed license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your confirmation number from your online renewal ready when you call.
What happens if your online renewal is denied
If the Texas DPS system cannot verify your identity during the online process, your renewal will be denied and you will see an error message on screen. This usually happens because the information you entered does not match what the state has on file. Common reasons include a typo in your Social Security number, a mismatch between the date of birth you entered and what is in the system, or a recent name change that has not yet been updated in the state database.
If your renewal is denied, you will need to renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your name has changed, also bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office staff can update your information and process your renewal on the spot, though you may have to wait for an appointment.
Using the Texas DPS mobile app to renew
The Texas DPS mobile app offers another way to renew your license online without using a computer. read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, open it, and select "Renew Driver License." The process is the same as renewing through the website—you enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security information, verify your identity, confirm your details, and pay the renewal fee. Your confirmation number appears in the app, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The app also lets you view your digital license while you wait for your renewed plastic license to arrive. You can show your digital license to a police officer or at a business that checks ID, though not all officers or businesses accept digital licenses yet. Check with your local police department or the business in question if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, as long as your license expired no more than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a driver license office. You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card or in the Texas DPS mobile app.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must go to a driver license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will update your address and process your renewal.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?
No, online renewal does not include a temporary license. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you must renew in person at a driver license office and request a temporary paper license at that time. The paper license is valid for 45 days while you wait for your plastic card.
Can I renew my commercial driver license online?
No, commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online. You must renew a CDL in person at a driver license office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any medical certificates required for your CDL class.
What if I entered the wrong information and my renewal was denied?
Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to confirm what information they have on file for you. If there is a mismatch, you will need to renew in person at a driver license office so staff can correct your information before processing your renewal.