You can renew an expired Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Texas allows online renewal through its website, but only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not had a name change, address change, or vision correction change since it was issued. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a two-year renewal or $32 for a five-year renewal.
The state does not mail a physical license after online renewal. Instead, you receive a temporary digital license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and shipped. You can use this digital license to drive legally during that waiting period. The plastic card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and nothing about your identity, address, or vision has changed.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process on the DPS website.
- After you pay online, you receive a temporary digital license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you have had any changes to your name, address, or vision, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth before you begin. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The DPS website does not accept checks, money orders, or cash.
If your address has changed since your license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must update your address in person at a DPS office first, or renew your license in person at the same time you update your address. The same rule applies if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal action.
How to renew your license on the DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then confirm whether you are may be able to access for online renewal based on your license expiration date and any changes to your record.
If the system confirms you are may be able to access, you will review your current information on file. Check that your name, address, and date of birth are correct. If anything is wrong, stop and renew in person instead, because submitting incorrect information online can delay your renewal. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number.
Save or print your confirmation number. You will need it to track your renewal status or if you need to contact the DPS about your order. The temporary digital license will appear in your account when ready after payment.
What happens after you pay
The DPS will mail your plastic license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your temporary digital license is valid for driving. You can view and read your temporary license from your DPS account or through the Texas ID mobile app.
If you do not receive your plastic license within 15 business days, contact the DPS using your confirmation number. Keep that number until your new license arrives. If your address changes before your new license arrives, contact the DPS when ready so they can update the mailing address.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than two years ago, online renewal is not available. You must renew in person at any DPS office. Bring your expired 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).
You also cannot renew online if you have had a name change, moved to a different address, or had changes to your vision or medical status since your license was issued. In these cases, you must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff will update your information and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the type of change.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
If you need to renew in person, you can schedule an appointment on the DPS website to avoid waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the same fee as online renewal ($16 for two years or $32 for five years) and receive your new license when ready or by mail depending on the type of renewal. If you receive it when ready, you can drive with it right away. If it is mailed, you will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired longer ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What is the temporary digital license and how long does it last?
The temporary digital license is a digital version of your license that appears in your DPS account when ready after you pay for online renewal. It is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive legally while your plastic license is being mailed to you. You can view it on your phone or print it.
What if my address changed since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office so they can update your address in the system. You can schedule an appointment on the DPS website or walk in without an appointment.
How long does it take to receive my new plastic license after I renew online?
Your new plastic license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your online payment. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, contact the DPS with your confirmation number to check the status.
Can I use my temporary digital license to drive out of state?
Your temporary digital license is valid for driving in Texas and is recognized by law enforcement in Texas. For out-of-state travel, check with the other state's rules about whether they accept temporary digital licenses. Some states may not recognize it, so you may want to carry your expired license as backup.