How to Renew Your Texas Driver License Online

What You Need Before You Start

Texas lets you renew your driver license online through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific requirements. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address, if more than two years have passed since it expired, or if you are over 79 years old. You also cannot renew online if your name has changed or if you need to add or remove restrictions.

Before you begin, gather your current Texas driver license number and your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license. Have both amounts available so you can choose which term you want.

Check that your mailing address on file with the state is correct. The state will mail your new license to that address, so if it is wrong, you will need to update it in person at a DPS office instead of renewing online.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online only if your license is not suspended, has not been expired for more than two years, and you are under 80 years old.
The Texas Department of Public Safety website handles the entire renewal at texas.gov/apps/driverlicense, and you will need your license number and Social Security number.
The renewal fee is $48 for four years or $96 for eight years, paid by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online.

Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal

Go to texas.gov/apps/driverlicense and select the "Renew Driver License" option. You will be taken to a page asking whether you want to renew online or schedule an in-person appointment. Click "Renew Online."

Enter your Texas driver license number and your Social Security number exactly as they appear on your license and Social Security card. The system will pull up your current record. Review the information on screen — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is incorrect, stop here and schedule an in-person renewal instead, because you cannot change this information online.

If everything matches, confirm that you still meet the requirements: your license is not suspended, it expired less than two years ago, you are under 80, and your name and address have not changed. Check the box confirming these facts and proceed to payment.

Choose your license term: four years ($48) or eight years ($96). Enter your payment information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you contact DPS about your renewal.

What Happens After You Submit

The state will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether the license has been mailed.

If your new license arrives and something is wrong — the photo is incorrect, the information is misspelled, or a restriction is missing — you will need to visit a DPS office in person to correct it. You cannot fix these issues online.

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must visit a DPS office in person. The online system will reject your process when ready if a suspension is on file.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online renewal will not work. You will need to take the written test and vision test at a DPS office and explore for a new license rather than a renewal.

If you are 79 or older, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Texas law requires an in-person visit and a vision test for drivers in this age group.

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your Social Security card to a DPS office.

Finding a DPS Office If You Need In-Person Service

Use the DPS office locator at texas.gov/apps/driverlicense to find the nearest location. Enter your city or ZIP code and the system will show you all DPS offices within your area, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.

Many DPS offices now require you to schedule an appointment online before you visit. Go to the same texas.gov/apps/driverlicense website and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose your location, the service you need (license renewal, address change, or new license), and an available time slot. Appointments fill up quickly in urban areas, so schedule as far in advance as you can.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security card. If you are renewing after a suspension or updating your information, bring any additional documents the DPS website lists for your specific situation.

Common Reasons the Online System Rejects Your Request

The most common rejection happens when the address on file does not match your current address. The system will not let you update your address online during renewal. If you need a new address on your license, you must visit a DPS office in person.

Another frequent issue is a mismatch between the name or Social Security number you enter and what the state has on file. Double-check both before submitting. If the system still rejects you, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to verify what information they have for you.

If you have a suspension, the system will block your renewal when ready. You cannot proceed online. You will need to resolve the suspension at a DPS office or through the court system before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it is already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. The online system will accept renewals for licenses expired up to 24 months. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DPS office and take the written and vision tests to get a new license.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The state mails licenses within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow an extra few days for it to reach you. Your old license is still valid until your new one arrives.

What if I made a mistake on my renewal form?

If you submitted incorrect information, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900 with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the error can be corrected before your license is printed. If it cannot, you may need to visit a DPS office in person to request a correction after your new license arrives.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets?

No. The online system will reject your renewal if any suspension is active. You must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying the tickets or completing a court-ordered program — then renew online or in person.

Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?

No. The state uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.