What You Need Before You Start

To renew your Texas driver's license online, you will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. You must also have a Social Security number on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you have changed your name or address since your last license was issued, you will need to renew in person instead of online.

Your license must not be expired by more than two years. If it has been expired longer than that, the online renewal option is not available to you. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to update your photograph.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you finish.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your name or address.
  • Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your license number and date of birth to start.
  • You will pay a renewal fee — the amount depends on how many years you are renewing for — using a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your expired license until it arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online because of name changes, address changes, or suspension, you must visit a DPS office in person.

How to Start Your Renewal on the DPS Website

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website at dps.texas.gov. Look for the section labeled "Driver License" and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will see a button that says "Online Renewal" — click that button to begin.

The system will ask you to enter your current driver's license number and your date of birth. These must match the information on your license exactly. After you enter this information, the system will verify that you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are not may be able to access, you will see a message explaining why — for example, if your license expired more than two years ago or if there is a hold on your record.

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 date of birth carefully. If any of this information is wrong, stop here and renew in person at a DPS office instead.

Updating Your Information and Paying the Fee

After you confirm your information, you will see the renewal fee. The cost depends on how many years you are renewing for — Texas offers one-year, four-year, five-year, and eight-year renewals. The longer the renewal period, the higher the total cost, but the cost per year is lower. The system will show you the exact amount before you pay.

You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card; a debit card; or an electronic check. Enter your payment information and review the details one more time. Once you submit payment, the transaction cannot be cancelled, so make sure everything is correct.

After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen and an email confirmation at the address you provided. Save both of these. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

You can use your expired license while you wait for your new one to arrive in the mail. Your expired license remains valid for driving purposes during this waiting period. Do not attempt to use an expired license after your new license arrives, however — you must switch to the new one.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6556. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can track your license and tell you where it is in the mail process.

Your new license will have a new expiration date printed on it. This date is based on the renewal period you chose at the time of payment. For example, if you chose a five-year renewal, your new license will expire five years from the date it was issued.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office and bring documents that prove your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same rule applies if you have changed your address and want to update it on your license.

You also must renew in person if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason. If you need a new photograph on your license, you cannot use online renewal either. In all of these cases, find your nearest DPS office at dps.texas.gov and schedule an appointment or visit during walk-in hours.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it will usually explain why. Read that message carefully — it will tell you what you need to do instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired longer than that, 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 do not receive my new license after 10 business days?

Contact the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether your license is still in the mail or if there was a problem with delivery. You can continue using your expired license while you wait.

Can I change my address during online renewal?

No. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number documentation.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

You can request a replacement license at a DPS office. Bring your confirmation number from your online renewal if you have it. The DPS can look up your renewal in the system and issue you a temporary license while your mailed license is still in transit.

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

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