Yes, you can renew online if you meet Texas requirements
Texas lets you renew your driver license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only if your license meets specific conditions. You cannot renew online if your license has expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you are under 18, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you are renewing for the first time after turning 85, or if you have certain medical conditions on file.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. You will need a valid email address, your Texas driver license number, and a debit or credit card to pay the fee. Once you complete the online renewal, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license expired less than two years ago and you have no address changes or medical restrictions.
- The online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after completing the online process.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew your license.
- You can check your license expiration date on the front of your current license or by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789.
Check your license expiration date before you start
Your license must have expired less than two years ago to renew online. Look at the front of your current license — the expiration date appears in the bottom right corner. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online process and must visit a DPS office instead.
If you are unsure about your expiration date or cannot locate your license, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 during business hours. A representative can tell you whether your license is still within the two-year window for online renewal. Keep your license number handy when you call — the DPS will ask for it to look up your record.
Situations that require you to renew in person at a DPS office
Even if your license has not expired more than two years ago, certain circumstances force you to renew in person. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, if you are renewing your license for the first time after turning 85, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you have a medical condition restriction on your license that needs review.
You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 years old, if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you are renewing a license that was issued outside the United States. In any of these cases, you will need to visit a DPS office with the required documents. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see what documents you need to bring.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the online renewal option under the Driver License section. You will be directed to a find portal where you enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that all details are correct.
Review your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If any information is wrong, stop the process and visit a DPS office instead — you cannot correct errors online. Once you confirm that everything is accurate, you will be asked to choose your renewal length (four or eight years) and pay the fee with a debit or credit card.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Write down your confirmation number and keep it until your new license arrives. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file, which is why you cannot change your address during an online renewal.
What to expect after you complete the online renewal
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The DPS sends licenses by standard mail, not overnight or priority mail, so plan accordingly if you need your license by a specific date. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DPS with your confirmation number and they can check the status of your order.
Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during the waiting period. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it — do not throw it away intact, as it contains personal information.
When to visit a DPS office instead
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The same applies if you need to change your address, if you are under 18, or if you have any suspension, revocation, or medical restriction on your license. You will need to bring your current license (or an expired license if your current one is lost), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and proof of Social Security number such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.
Visit the DPS website to find an office near you and check its hours before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Bringing all required documents the first time saves you a return trip — the DPS will turn you away if you are missing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office so the DPS can update your address on file. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
What happens if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready with your confirmation number from the online renewal. They can issue a replacement license at a DPS office while your renewal is in progress. You will need to bring your Social Security card or other proof of identity.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. You must visit a DPS office in person to address the suspension before you can renew. The DPS will explain what caused the suspension and what steps you need to take to clear it.
How do I know if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?
Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your license number and they will tell you whether you meet all the requirements. You can also start the online process and the system will tell you if your license does not may have access to before you pay any fee.
Can I renew my license online if I am over 85 years old?
Only if you have renewed online before. If this is your first renewal after turning 85, you must visit a DPS office so they can assess your driving ability. After that first in-person renewal, you may be able to renew online for future renewals.