You cannot get a new Texas driver's license online, but you can renew one

Texas does not offer online issuance of new driver's licenses. You must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person to get your first license or to replace a lost or stolen one. However, if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it online through the Texas DPS website without going to an office.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This option is only available if you meet specific requirements — your address hasn't changed, you have no medical restrictions, and your license wasn't suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is only for renewing an existing license that is still valid or expired within the last two years; new licenses require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
  • You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If your address changed, you have medical restrictions, or your license was suspended, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead.

Check whether your license qualifies for online renewal

Before you start the online process, confirm that your license meets the requirements. Your license must be valid or expired no more than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

You also cannot renew online if your address has changed since your license was issued, if you have medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Additionally, if you are under 18, you cannot renew online — minors must renew in person. If any of these situations explore to you, skip to the in-person renewal section below.

Go to the Texas DPS online renewal portal and enter your information

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will see a link labeled "Renew Your Driver License Online." Click it to enter the renewal portal.

You will be asked to enter your Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and display it on the screen. Review it carefully to make sure everything is correct — your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you will need to visit a DPS office instead.

Review your information and choose your renewal length

After the system confirms your identity, you will see your current license details displayed. At this point, you can choose between a four-year renewal ($16) or an eight-year renewal ($32). The eight-year option is only available if you are 18 or older and have no medical restrictions.

You will also confirm your mailing address — this is where your new license will be sent. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot complete the online renewal. Close out and visit a DPS office instead to update your address and renew in person.

Pay the renewal fee and submit

The system will ask you to enter payment information. You can pay with a debit card or credit card. Texas DPS does not accept checks, money orders, or cash through the online portal. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV, then review the total fee one more time before submitting.

Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The system will also send a confirmation email to the address on file with your license.

Wait for your new license to arrive by mail

Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you confirmed during the online process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submitted your renewal. You can continue to use your old license until your new one arrives, even though it may be expired.

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number ready. Do not visit a DPS office unless you are told to do so by customer service, as they may need to investigate the delay first.

What to do if you cannot renew online

If your license does not meet the online renewal requirements — because it expired more than two years ago, your address changed, you have medical restrictions, or your license was suspended — you must visit a Texas DPS office in person. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Texas DPS website.

Bring your current license (or ID if your license is lost), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), and you will receive your new license on the spot or by mail depending on the office's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. The online system will not allow you to proceed if your license is expired beyond that window.

What if I moved to a different address since my license was issued?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a DPS office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I pay online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office to receive it when ready.

Can I renew my license online if it was suspended or revoked?

No. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff can explain the suspension or revocation and tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.

What payment methods does Texas DPS accept for online renewal?

The online renewal portal accepts debit cards and credit cards only. You cannot pay with cash, checks, or money orders through the online system. If you do not have a card, you can renew in person at a DPS office and pay with cash or check.