What you can and cannot do online with your Texas driver's license
You can renew your Texas driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test or in-person review. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you complete the renewal through their website without visiting a driver's license office.
You cannot get an original license, a Real ID, a duplicate, or a replacement for a lost or stolen license online. You also cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. Those transactions require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only for standard renewals when your current license is valid or expired less than two years, and you are between 18 and 84.
- You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online process.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
- Processing takes about two weeks after DPS receives your payment, though you can continue to drive on your expired license during that time.
- If you need a Real ID, a duplicate, or have any changes to your information, you must visit a DPS office in person.
How to renew online step by step
Start by going to the Texas DPS website and selecting the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your renewed license.
Review all the information on screen — name, address, height, eye color, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. If your address or name has changed, you cannot continue online and must visit a DPS office instead.
Choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard renewal is typically valid for five or eight years, depending on your age. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your order.
What happens after you submit your renewal
DPS will mail your new license to the address currently on file. The mailing process usually takes about two weeks from the time they process your payment, though it can take longer during busy periods or if mail is delayed in your area.
While you wait, you can continue to drive using your expired license. Texas law allows you to drive on an expired license while your renewal is in progress, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal — your confirmation number counts as proof.
If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your order. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
When you must visit a DPS office instead
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online — you must explore in person. The same applies if you are 85 or older, as Texas requires an in-person vision test at that age.
You also need to visit an office if you want to add a Real ID star to your license, if you need a duplicate because yours was lost or stolen, if your name or address has changed, or if you have medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. DPS will not process these requests online.
To find a DPS office near you, use the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment ahead of time. Check before you go, because wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
What documents and information you need
For an online renewal, you need only your current Texas driver's license and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to gather documents or mail anything in — the entire transaction happens on the DPS website.
Have your payment method ready: a debit card, credit card, or bank account information for an electronic check. The system will not save your payment information after the transaction, so you will enter it fresh each time you renew.
The cost of renewing online versus in person
The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or at a DPS office. The cost depends on how long your new license will be valid — typically five or eight years — and your age. Fees change periodically, so check the Texas DPS website for the current amount before you start your renewal.
You pay the renewal fee when you submit your process online. There are no additional fees for processing or mailing. If you pay by credit or debit card, the charge will appear on your statement within a few business days.
Real ID and why you might need to go in person
A Real ID is a driver's license with a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. It meets federal identification standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a Real ID star and you want one, you must visit a DPS office in person.
When you renew online, your new license will have the same Real ID status as your current one. If you have a Real ID now, your renewal will also have one. If you do not have a Real ID, your online renewal will not add one — you would need to visit an office and bring documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew. You will need to bring documents proving your identity and residency, similar to explore for an original license.
What if I made a mistake on my renewal process after I paid?
Contact the Texas DPS when ready with your confirmation number. If they have not yet processed your payment, they may be able to cancel and refund your transaction so you can start over. If processing has already begun, you may need to wait for the license to arrive and then visit an office to make corrections.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewals use your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Can I renew my license online if I moved to a different address?
No. If your address has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, along with your current license and proof of identity.
How do I know if my renewal was successful?
You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you pay. Save this number. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, use this number to check the status on the Texas DPS website or call their customer service line.