You can renew your Texas driver's license online if you meet specific requirements

Texas allows online renewal through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions flagged in your record, and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you have changed your address, or you have certain medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office instead. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not moved since your last renewal.
  • You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the transaction.
  • The renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by debit card or credit card during the online process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person, which requires an appointment.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to the Texas DPS website to renew online. You will need your current Texas driver's license number (the eight-digit number on the front), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system uses these to verify your identity.

You will also need a valid payment method: a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Texas DPS does not accept debit cards for online renewal, only credit cards. Have the card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you do not have a credit card, you will need to renew in person instead.

The step-by-step process

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. Click the link for online renewal. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. It will then check whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, the system will display your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct. Review your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online — you must visit a DPS office in person. If everything matches, proceed to the payment screen.

Select whether you want a four-year renewal ($16) or an eight-year renewal ($32). Enter your credit card information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save the confirmation number; you may need it if you have questions about your order.

When you cannot renew online

The system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than two years ago. Texas law requires anyone whose license has been expired for more than 24 months to renew in person. You will need to schedule an appointment at a local DPS office and 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).

You also cannot renew online if you have changed your address since your last renewal. The online system only works if your current address matches what is in the DPS database. If you have moved, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. Additionally, if your license has medical restrictions or if the DPS has flagged your record for any reason, you must visit an office in person.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you complete payment, the DPS will process your renewal within one to two business days. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships. You can continue to use your old license during this time — it remains valid until your new license arrives.

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, check your email for any messages from the DPS. If there is a problem with your address or payment, they will contact you. You can also call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number.

Proof of residency and address changes

The online renewal system does not let you change your address. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address printed on it. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

If you need to change your address but your license is not yet expired, you can update your address at any time by visiting a DPS office in person. You do not have to wait until renewal. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee to change your address between renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal. You must contact the DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

What if I entered the wrong information and the system rejected me?

If the system says you are not may be able to access, do not try again when ready. Wait 24 hours and try once more with your information double-checked. If it still rejects you, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to find out why. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than two years old or an address mismatch in the system.

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

No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. You will not take a new photo unless you renew in person. Your new license will have the same photo as your current one.

Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online in Texas. You must renew a CDL in person at a DPS office and pass a written test. Schedule an appointment at your local DPS office to begin the CDL renewal process.

What if my credit card is declined during the online renewal?

If your payment fails, the system will tell you when ready and will not process your renewal. Check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are correct. If the card is declined again, try a different credit card. If you do not have another card, you will need to renew in person and pay by cash, check, or debit card at the DPS office.