What you need before you start
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website if you meet a few conditions. You must have a valid Texas driver's license that is not suspended or revoked, you cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal, and your license cannot have been lost or stolen. You also need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes. You will not need to visit a DPS office, take a new photo, or retake the written test — the state uses your existing photo and information on file. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office in person. The same applies if you need to update your address, name, or any other information on your license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is valid, not suspended, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- The renewal fee is paid by credit or debit card during the online process, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will use your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Step-by-step process on the DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option. You will be directed to the online renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information.
Review all the information on screen — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If everything is correct, confirm that you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal. You cannot proceed online if you need to make any updates to this information.
Next, you will see the renewal fee amount. Texas charges a standard fee for a five-year renewal; the exact amount depends on whether you are renewing a standard license or one with special endorsements. Enter your credit or debit card information to pay. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
After payment, the system will tell you when to expect your new license in the mail. Save or print your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal later.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your process goes into the DPS processing queue when ready after payment. The state processes renewals in the order they are received. You can continue to use your current driver's license while you wait for the new one to arrive — it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, you should have updated your address before starting the online renewal. If you did not, your new license will go to your old address, and you will need to contact the DPS to have it reissued to your current location.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, you can check the status using your confirmation number on the DPS website. Contact the DPS directly if there is a delay or if you believe your license was lost in the mail.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online renewal option is not available. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring your expired license and proof of residency, and complete a new process. The same rule applies if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) — those must be renewed in person.
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same applies if you need to change your address, add an endorsement, or remove a restriction.
If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS before you can renew. Contact the DPS to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are needed to clear it.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a five-year Texas driver's license is set by state law and does not vary based on where or how you renew. The fee covers the cost of issuing and mailing your new license. You pay the full amount at the time of renewal — there are no partial payments or payment plans for license renewals.
The DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards for online renewals. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you can renew in person at a DPS office and pay by cash, check, or card.
Your confirmation number serves as proof of payment. Keep it for your records. If you are charged twice by mistake, contact the DPS with your confirmation number and the dates of both charges, and they will investigate and issue a refund if warranted.
Tracking your new license
After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. Use this number to check the status of your renewal on the DPS website. The status page will tell you whether your license is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.
The DPS does not send tracking numbers for mailed licenses, so you cannot follow the package through the mail system. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DPS mails your license. If you live in a rural area or far from a mail processing center, delivery may take longer.
If your new license does not arrive after 10 business days, log back into the DPS website with your confirmation number and check the status. If the status shows your license was mailed but you have not received it, contact the DPS to report it and request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it is already expired?
You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
What if I need to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal and payment. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DPS office and pay for an expedited in-person renewal.
What should I do if my new license arrives damaged or with incorrect information?
Contact the DPS when ready with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. They will issue a replacement at no additional charge. Bring the damaged license to a DPS office if you need a replacement before a new one can be mailed.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written and driving tests depending on your CDL class and endorsements.