What you need before you start
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, and you are not changing your name or address. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, a valid email address, and a way to pay the renewal fee — currently $33 for a four-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal. You will also need to answer security questions about your driving history and personal information that only you would know.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your address or name, you will have to renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical conditions to report.
- The renewal fee is $33 for four years or $66 for eight years, paid by credit card or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary license or print-at-home document.
- If you need to change your address, name, or have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Step-by-step: completing your online renewal
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will land on a page that asks whether you want to renew online or in person. Click the online renewal option. The system will ask for your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter both exactly as they appear on your license.
Next, you will answer security questions — these are drawn from your driving record and personal history on file with DPS. Answer as accurately as you can. If you get three questions wrong in a row, the system will stop and tell you that you cannot renew online; you will need to visit a DPS office instead. After you pass the security questions, you will review your current information on file: name, address, date of birth, and any medical conditions or restrictions. If any of this is wrong, stop here and renew in person instead, because you cannot change it online.
If everything is correct, you will choose your renewal term (four or eight years) and enter payment information. Texas accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if there is a problem with your renewal.
What happens after you submit
Your process goes into the DPS queue when ready. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods or if there are weather delays.
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DPS office if you prefer.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must renew in person at a DPS office. The same applies if you have any medical conditions or restrictions on your license that need to be reviewed or updated — DPS requires an in-person visit for these cases.
If you need to change your name or address, you also cannot do this online. You will need to visit a DPS office with proof of your new name (marriage certificate, court order) or new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement). If you are changing your address only, some DPS offices let you do this by mail, but the driver's license renewal itself must happen in person.
Troubleshooting failed security questions
The security questions are based on information DPS has about you — your driving history, previous addresses, vehicle registrations, and personal data from when you first got your license. If you have moved several times, had different names, or have an uncommon driving history, you might find these questions hard to answer accurately.
If you fail the security questions, you cannot retry online the same day. You will need to wait 24 hours before trying again, or you can go to a DPS office and renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your new one by mail.
Payment and fees
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $33. An eight-year renewal costs $66. These are the only two options for online renewal. You pay by credit card or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. There is no additional processing fee for paying online.
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and ask you to try a different card. Make sure the name and billing address on your card match the information DPS has on file for you. If you have trouble, you can try again later or renew in person at a DPS office, where you can pay by cash, check, or card.
What to do if your license does not arrive
If more than 10 business days have passed and your new license has not arrived, check your email for your confirmation number from when you submitted your renewal. Go to the Texas DPS website and look for a "Check Renewal Status" tool or similar option. Enter your confirmation number to see whether your license is still being processed, has been mailed, or has encountered a problem.
If the status shows your license was mailed but you have not received it, wait a few more days — mail delivery can be slow. If it has been more than two weeks, contact the DPS by phone or visit a local DPS office with your confirmation number. They can reprint and mail your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. There is usually no charge for a reprint if the delay was DPS's fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your process if there is any suspension, revocation, or hold on your license. You must resolve the issue at a DPS office or through the court system before you can renew. Contact DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.
What if I moved to Texas from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state license, you cannot renew it online in Texas. You must get a Texas license, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and your Social Security card or document with your number on it. You will take a vision test and answer questions about Texas traffic laws.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. When you renew online, you do not receive a temporary or print-at-home license. You continue to use your current license until the new one arrives by mail. If you need a temporary license, you must renew in person at a DPS office, where they will give you a paper temporary license valid for 30 days.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, as long as your current license already shows that you must wear corrective lenses. If your vision has changed or you now need glasses when you did not before, you must renew in person so DPS can give you a vision test. The online system cannot test your vision.
What if I lost my driver's license number?
You will need your driver's license number to start the online renewal. If you do not have it, you can look it up on the Texas DPS website if you have your Social Security number and date of birth, or you can call DPS directly. If you cannot find your number, renew in person at a DPS office instead — they can look it up for you on the spot.