Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions
You can renew your Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety website without visiting a driver's license office, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical restrictions, or you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical suspensions or changes to your driving restrictions.
- You'll 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 $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid during the online transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a driver's license office in person with required documents.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Texas allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses expired no more than two years ago and who have no medical suspensions, restrictions, or changes since their last renewal. This means if your license is still valid or expired recently, and your health status and driving restrictions have not changed, you're likely may be able to access for the online process.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a medical suspension on your record, if your driving restrictions changed (such as needing corrective lenses or an ignition interlock device), or if you need to update your name, address, or other personal information. In those cases, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
What you need before you start
Gather your Texas driver's license number and your Social Security number before you begin. You'll also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee during the transaction. Have your license in front of you so you can enter the number correctly.
Make sure the payment card is in your name or that you have permission to use it. The transaction is when ready, so the card will be charged as soon as you submit your renewal.
Steps to renew online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click on the link for online renewal, which will take you to a find form where you enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity.
After verification, you'll review your current license information and confirm that nothing has changed. If everything is correct, you'll select your renewal term (four years or eight years), enter your payment information, and submit the form. The system will display a confirmation number when ready, and you should save or print this number for your records.
You'll receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the DPS. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently listed on your driver's license record, so if you've moved recently and haven't updated your address, contact the DPS before renewing online to avoid having your license mailed to the wrong location.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your renewal is processed, you can continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Texas law allows this grace period, so you won't be driving illegally during the 7 to 10 business days it takes for the new license to reach you by mail.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DPS to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready when you call. If there was an error in the mailing address or if your license was lost in transit, the DPS can reissue it or correct the address and send a replacement.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online renewal process and must visit a driver's license office. Bring your expired 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). You may also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken.
If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, or if you have a medical suspension or new driving restriction, you must renew in person. The DPS staff can update your information and may support your new license reflects all current details. Visit the DPS website to find the driver's license office nearest you and check their hours before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than two years ago and you have no medical suspensions or changes to your restrictions. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your expired license during this time. If you don't receive it within 10 business days, contact the DPS with your confirmation number to check the status.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. Contact the DPS or visit a driver's license office in person to update your address before renewing, or renew in person so your new license is mailed to the correct location.
Can I choose a four-year or eight-year renewal online?
Yes. During the online renewal process, you'll select your renewal term and pay the corresponding fee: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. The choice is yours based on your preference and budget.
What if the online renewal doesn't work or I get an error?
If you encounter a technical error, try again in a few minutes or use a different browser. If the problem continues, contact the DPS directly or visit a driver's license office in person to renew. Keep your confirmation number if you received one.