Yes, you can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet certain requirements

Texas allows online renewal through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but not everyone is may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed, and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to update your address, vision correction, or organ donor status, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office instead.

The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no changes to medical conditions or restrictions.
  • You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online renewal process.
  • The renewal fee is $16 for one year or $48 for five years, paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
  • Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Who can and cannot renew online

Texas DPS allows online renewal only for licenses that fall into specific categories. You are may be able to access if your license is current or expired by no more than two years, you are at least 18 years old, and you have no changes to your medical information, restrictions, or endorsements. You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition or vision change that affects your driving, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you have an active suspension or revocation on your record, or if you are under 18 years old.

Step-by-step process for online renewal

Start by visiting the Texas DPS online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Renew Online." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DPS records.

Once verified, you will review your current license information and confirm that nothing has changed. If any information is incorrect, you will be directed to renew in person instead. After confirming your information, you will choose your renewal length (one year or five years) and select your payment method. Texas DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments.

After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can track its status through the DPS website using your confirmation number.

What happens after you submit your renewal

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is submitted to DPS. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. The mailing process typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal, though it may take longer during high-volume periods.

If you need to verify that your renewal was received, you can check the status on the DPS website using your confirmation number. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to report the issue. DPS can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

When you must renew in person instead

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online renewal process. You will need to visit a DPS office in person with your current license, 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). The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $16 for one year or $48 for five years.

You must also renew in person if you are changing your address, if you have a new medical condition or vision change, if you need to add or remove restrictions or endorsements, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Additionally, if your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue with DPS before you can renew, and you must do so in person.

Finding a DPS office near you

If you need to renew in person, you can find the nearest DPS office by visiting dps.texas.gov and using the office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code to see all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they offer appointments. Many DPS offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

Some DPS offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit any DPS office in Texas — you are not limited to your home county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I just moved to Texas?

No. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current out-of-state license or ID, proof of residency in Texas (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. You can renew online only if your address has not changed.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew online if your license is lost or stolen. You must visit a DPS office in person to report it and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is the same as renewal.

How long is my license valid after I renew online?

Your new license is valid for either one year or five years, depending on which option you chose during renewal. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification if required. Contact your local DPS office for specific requirements.

What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew?

The system will tell you why you are not may be able to access — usually because your license expired more than two years ago, you have a medical condition change, or you have an active suspension. Visit a DPS office in person with the required documents, or contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to discuss your options.