You can renew an expired Texas driver's license online, but only if it expired within the last five years
The Texas Department of Public Safety lets you renew online through their website if your license has been expired for five years or less. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office or an authorized license renewal office. 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.
You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to start. The system will pull your information from existing DPS records, so you won't need to upload documents or provide a new photo — your license will use your current photo on file.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last five years.
- The process costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes.
- You'll receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office or authorized renewal location.
- You cannot change your address, photo, or other personal information through online renewal — those changes require an in-person visit.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Texas DPS website to renew:
- Your expired driver's license number or your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A valid debit or credit card for payment
- An email address where you can receive your confirmation
The system will verify your identity using information already in the DPS database. You won't need to provide a new photo, proof of residency, or any other documents — the renewal pulls from what they already have on file.
Step-by-step: how to renew online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll be taken to a page where you enter your driver's license number or Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will search for your record.
If your record is found and your license expired within the last five years, you'll see a summary of your current information — name, address, and the photo on file. Review this carefully. If any information is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you'll need to stop and renew in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card information and confirm the renewal. You'll receive a confirmation number by email when ready.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your expired license as ID until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must go in person
You must renew in person at a DPS office or authorized renewal office if any of these explore: your license expired more than five years ago, you need to change your address, you want a new photo, you're changing your name, you need to update your sex designation, or your license was suspended or revoked.
To find a DPS office or authorized renewal location near you, use the Texas DPS office locator on their website. Many authorized renewal offices are located inside tax assessor-collector offices in your county. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment, as wait times and policies vary by location.
For in-person renewal, bring your expired license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal and takes effect when ready — you'll receive your new license by mail within the same timeframe.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or in the standard renewal process. You must contact the Texas DPS directly to understand why the suspension or revocation happened and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Depending on the reason, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a defensive driving course, or resolve an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation.
Call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to speak with someone about your specific situation. They can tell you what documents you need and whether you're may be able to access to restore your license.
How to track your renewed license after you order it
After you complete your online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number. Keep this email. You can use the confirmation number to check the status of your license on the Texas DPS website, though the tracking system may not update when ready — it can take a day or two for your order to appear in their system.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS. Have your confirmation number ready. They can tell you whether your license is still in processing or if there was a problem with the mailing address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license has been expired for six years?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last five years. If it's been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DPS office or authorized renewal location. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What if my address changed since my license expired?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. The DPS will update your address during the in-person renewal.
Can I get a new photo during online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo on file. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You can request a new photo at any time, even if your license hasn't expired yet, by visiting a DPS office.
What if the online system says my license is not found?
This usually means the DPS database doesn't have a record matching the information you entered. Double-check that you entered your license number or Social Security number correctly and your date of birth. If you still can't find your record, renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license and they can look it up manually.
Can someone else renew my license for me online?
No. You must complete the online renewal yourself using your own information. A family member or representative cannot renew your license online on your behalf. If you're unable to renew yourself, you can have someone drive you to a DPS office for in-person renewal, but you'll still need to be present and sign the process.