Texas lets you renew online if you meet specific conditions
You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $25 for a five-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your name or address, if you're over 79 years old, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
The online renewal system is available 24/7 on the DPS website. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Texas does not mail a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is valid or expired for two years or less, and you cannot have any suspensions or restrictions on your record.
- The renewal costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years, paid by debit or credit card during the online transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Texas does not issue a temporary license for online renewals.
- You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your name or address, or if you're over 79 years old.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by visiting the Texas DPS website and locating the driver's license renewal section. You'll see a link for "Renew Your Driver License Online." Click it and you'll be directed to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Once verified, you'll review your current license information on screen. Confirm that your name, address, and other details are correct. If any information is wrong, you cannot fix it online—you'll need to visit a DPS office in person instead. If everything matches, proceed to the next screen.
Select your renewal term: five years ($25) or eight years ($50). Enter your payment information and complete the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation number and email receipt. Write down or save the confirmation number; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status.
Who cannot renew online and what to do instead
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must visit a DPS office in person. The same applies if you have any active restrictions or if you're renewing a CDL. Drivers over 79 years old must also renew in person, as Texas requires an in-person vision test for this age group.
If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, you cannot do it through the online system. You'll need to visit a DPS office and bring documents that support the change—such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change. You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete your online renewal, the DPS processes your transaction and mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time DPS ships it. During this time, you can still drive using your current license, even if it has expired, as long as you have proof of your renewal (your confirmation number or email receipt).
If your new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, check your confirmation email for a tracking number or contact the DPS to verify the status. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; you may need it as proof of identity.
Payment and fees for online renewal
Texas charges $25 for a five-year renewal and $50 for an eight-year renewal. These are the standard fees for online renewal and do not include any additional charges. Payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and your card is charged only once.
The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If your payment is declined, check that your card information is correct and try again. If the problem persists, contact your bank or use a different card. You can also renew in person at a DPS office if you prefer to pay by cash or check.
Situations where you must renew in person at a DPS office
Visit a DPS office if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to correct information on your license, if you're changing your name or address, or if you're renewing a CDL. You'll also need to go in person if you're over 79 years old, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you're renewing for the first time after a suspension or denial.
To renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents needed to support changes to your information. You can find DPS office locations and hours on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you visit.
Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it doesn't arrive
Your confirmation email contains a reference number you can use to check the status of your renewal. The DPS website has a tracking tool where you enter this number to see whether your license has been mailed and when it's expected to arrive. Check this tool if you haven't received your license within 10 business days.
If your license is lost in the mail or doesn't arrive, contact the DPS directly with your confirmation number. They can reissue your license and may send it by expedited mail. You may be charged a replacement fee, which varies depending on the circumstances. In the meantime, keep your old license and your confirmation email as proof that you've renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and pass a vision test. Contact your local DPS office to schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The DPS will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one in the mail?
No. Texas does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. You can continue to drive using your current license and your confirmation email or confirmation number as proof of renewal. Keep both with you when you drive.
What if my payment is declined during the online renewal?
Check that your card number, expiration date, and security code are entered correctly. If the problem continues, try a different card or contact your bank to confirm the card is active. You can also renew in person at a DPS office and pay by cash or check instead.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I submit online?
The DPS typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. Delivery time depends on your location and mail service. If you haven't received it after 10 business days, use the tracking tool on the DPS website or contact the DPS directly with your confirmation number.