What you can and cannot do online with your Texas driver license
Texas lets you renew your driver license online through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You cannot get a new license online — you can only renew one you already have. You also cannot change your address, add a Real ID star, or update your photo through the online system. Those changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Texas driver license online only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
- The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by debit or credit card.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
- If you need a new photo, address change, or Real ID star, you must visit a DPS office in person.
- You will need your current Texas driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the renewal online.
Who can renew online and who must go to an office
You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you are a Texas resident, and you have not renewed online in the past 24 months. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system — you must visit a DPS office.
You also must go to an office in person if you want to change your address, add or renew a Real ID star, update your photo, change your name, or add a commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement. The same applies if you lost your license or it was stolen. Online renewal is only for straightforward renewals of licenses that are still valid.
How to renew your license online step by step
Start at the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Driver License Renewal" and select "Renew Online." You will be asked to enter your current driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using these details.
Next, review your personal information on the screen — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, stop and visit a DPS office instead, because you cannot correct errors online. If everything is correct, choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year renewal, select your payment method, and enter your debit or credit card information.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not expect to receive a temporary license or a paper receipt — your confirmation email is your proof of renewal.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license is expired, you have renewed online within the past two years, or you need to make any changes to your information, you must visit a DPS office. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online first. Check your local office's policy before you go.
Bring your current license (or expired license if that is all you have), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you are changing your address, bring a document showing your new address. The office visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is.
When your renewed license arrives and what to do if it does not
Your renewed license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Mail delivery times vary, so if you do not receive it within two weeks, check the DPS website to see if there were any problems with your renewal. You can also call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 to ask about your renewal status using your confirmation number.
If your license does not arrive after three weeks, or if it arrives damaged, contact DPS to request a replacement. You may be charged a small fee for a replacement, depending on the reason. Keep your confirmation email until your new license is in your hands.
Real ID and online renewal
If your current license already has a Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), your renewed license will also have one — you do not need to do anything extra. If your license does not have a Real ID star and you want one, you cannot get it through online renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. Real ID stars are required for federal air travel starting in May 2025.
If you are not sure whether your license has a Real ID star, look at the upper right corner of your license. If there is a small star there, you have it. If there is no star, your current license is still valid for driving and most purposes — the star is only required for domestic flights and some federal buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff will treat it as a new license process rather than a renewal, and you may need to retake the written test and vision test.
What if I renewed online two years ago and want to renew again?
You must wait until 24 months have passed since your last online renewal before you can renew online again. If you need to renew before that time is up, visit a DPS office. After 24 months, you can use the online system again.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?
No. The online renewal system does not issue a temporary license. Your confirmation email is your proof that you have renewed. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, show them the confirmation email on your phone.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
No. Address changes must be done in person at a DPS office. If you try to renew online and your address is wrong, you should cancel and visit an office instead so you can update it at the same time.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will reject your renewal if your license is expired, you have renewed online in the past 24 months, or there is a problem with your record. Call DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why you were rejected and what your next step should be.