You can renew by phone, but only if you meet specific conditions

Texas allows phone renewal for driver's licenses, but the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) restricts it to certain situations. You can renew by phone if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions listed on your record, and your address has not changed. If any of those do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office or online.

The phone number to call is 1-888-589-6556. This is the main DPS customer service line. When you call, have your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method ready. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address is current.
  • Call 1-888-589-6556 during business hours with your driver's license number and Social Security number on hand.
  • You will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card over the phone.
  • Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
  • If you do not meet the phone renewal conditions, you must renew online at the DPS website or visit a DPS office in person.

What you need before you call

Gather these items before dialing. You will need your current Texas driver's license or your driver's license number. You will also need your Social Security number. Have a valid credit card or debit card ready to pay the renewal fee over the phone.

If your address has changed since your license was issued, you cannot renew by phone. The same applies if your name has changed. In both cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website.

The renewal fee and payment

The Texas driver's license renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you call. The fee is non-refundable once you have paid.

You must pay by credit card or debit card. The DPS does not accept cash, check, or money order over the phone. The charge will appear on your statement under the Texas Department of Public Safety.

When your new license arrives

After you complete the phone renewal, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect your license to arrive on a specific date — mail times vary depending on your location and postal service delays.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You can use it to drive and for identification during this time. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Texas does not require you to return it.

Situations where phone renewal will not work

The DPS will reject your phone renewal request if your license expired more than two years ago. If this is your situation, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use phone or online renewal for an expired license that is more than two years old.

You also cannot renew by phone if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or hearing aid required. These require a DPS officer to review your medical status in person. Additionally, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), phone renewal is not an option — you must visit a DPS office.

Online renewal as an alternative

If phone renewal does not work for you, the DPS website at www.dps.texas.gov offers online renewal for many situations. Online renewal has the same restrictions as phone renewal — your license cannot be expired by more than two years, you cannot have medical conditions, and your address must be current.

Online renewal is often faster than phone renewal because you can do it at any time, day or night. You will still receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If neither phone nor online renewal works, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

What to do if the phone line is busy

The DPS phone line can have long wait times, especially early in the morning or near the end of the month. If you cannot reach anyone, try calling back during mid-afternoon on a weekday. You can also try the online renewal option at www.dps.texas.gov, which does not require you to wait on hold.

If you have a complex situation — such as a name change, address change, or medical condition — do not wait on the phone line. Go directly to a DPS office. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website. In-person renewal usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew by phone if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew by phone or online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

What happens if I call and my license has been expired for more than two years?

The DPS will tell you that you do not meet the requirements for phone renewal and will direct you to renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online either. You will need to visit an office with your current identification and proof of residency.

Do I need to take a new photo for phone renewal?

No. Phone renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The DPS will take a new photo during your visit.

Can someone else call to renew my license for me?

No. The DPS requires you to call yourself and provide your own Social Security number and driver's license number. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. You cannot authorize someone else to renew on your behalf by phone.

What if my card is declined when I try to pay over the phone?

The DPS will ask you to provide a different card. If you do not have another card available, you can end the call and try again later with a different payment method. You can also choose to renew in person at a DPS office, where you may have additional payment options.