What you need before you start

Texas lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website if your license is expired or expiring within 60 days. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, a valid email address, and a way to pay the renewal fee (a debit or credit card). The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use the online system if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address, if you're renewing after more than two years of expiration, or if you're changing your name. In those cases, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person.

If your license was lost or stolen, you also cannot renew online—you'll need to report it and explore for a replacement at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and is not suspended or revoked.
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety website is the only place to renew online; you'll need your license number and a credit or debit card.
  • The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, paid during the online process.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS, so update your address in person before renewing if you've moved.
  • If you need to change your name, address, or have any restrictions on your license, you must visit a DPS office instead of renewing online.

Step-by-step: the online renewal process

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll be taken to a page that asks you to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This confirms your identity in the system.

Next, you'll review your personal information as it appears on file—your name, date of birth, and address. If any of this is wrong, stop here and visit a DPS office instead, because you cannot correct it online. If everything matches, you'll move to the fee payment screen. Choose whether you want a four-year license ($25) or an eight-year license ($50), then enter your debit or credit card information.

After payment goes through, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your expired license until the new one arrives.

When you must go to a DPS office instead

If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal. You'll need to contact DPS or visit an office to find out why and what steps are required before you can renew. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical disqualification.

If you've moved and need to change your address, you cannot do that online during renewal. Update your address at a DPS office first, then you can renew online if your license is otherwise may be able to access. If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll also need to visit in person and bring the legal document that proves the name change.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system won't accept it. You'll need to visit a DPS office and may be required to pass a written test and vision test before a new license is issued.

Finding a DPS office and what to bring

If you need to renew in person, use the DPS office locator on their website to find the nearest location. Enter your city or zip code, and you'll see addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, but some have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you can, because wait times vary and some offices fill up early in the day.

Bring your expired or expiring driver's license, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. If you're changing your name, bring the legal document—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.

What happens after you renew online

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is submitted to DPS. You don't need to do anything else. Your new license will arrive at the address on file. If you don't receive it within 10 business days, check your confirmation email for a phone number to call DPS and ask about the status.

Until your new license arrives, your expired license is still valid for identification purposes in most situations. However, if you're stopped while driving, an officer may ask why your license is expired. Having your confirmation number from the online renewal can help explain that a new one is on the way.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $25 to renew online. An eight-year license costs $50. These are the only two options available through online renewal. You must pay with a debit card or credit card—cash and checks are not accepted online.

The fee is non-refundable once payment is processed. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot cancel the renewal through the website. Contact DPS directly if you need to discuss a payment issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it's been expired for more than two years?

No. The online system only works for licenses expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired longer, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person. You may be required to pass a written test and vision test before receiving a new license.

What if I don't receive my new license within 10 business days?

Check your confirmation email for DPS contact information and call to ask about the status of your renewal. Provide your confirmation number. Mail delivery can take longer during busy periods, but DPS can tell you whether your license has been mailed and help you track it if there's a delay.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. You must update your address at a DPS office before renewing online. If you try to renew with an old address on file, your new license will be mailed to that address. Visit an office to change your address first, then renew online.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

The online renewal system will not let you proceed. You need to contact DPS or visit an office to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it before you can renew. Reasons include unpaid fines, child support issues, or medical disqualification.

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

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.