Texas lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements, and the process takes about 10 minutes
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows online renewal through its website for driver's licenses that are expired or expiring within the next 60 days. You do not need to visit a DPS office or mail anything in — you complete the entire transaction on your computer or phone, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is available only if your license was issued in Texas, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you have no medical conditions that require DPS review, and your license is not suspended or revoked. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a DPS office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Texas license is expired or expiring within 60 days, and you have not moved since your last renewal.
- The online renewal fee is the same as in-person renewal and varies by license type and validity period — typically between $16 and $97.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check) to complete the transaction.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have changed your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is limited to people whose licenses meet all of these conditions: the license was originally issued in Texas, it is currently expired or will expire within 60 days, you have not changed your mailing address since your last renewal, and your license is not under suspension or revocation. You also cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that require DPS staff to review your file in person.
If your license was issued in another state, you moved since your last renewal, your address on file is incorrect, or your license is suspended or revoked, you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, add or remove restrictions, or update your medical information. DPS staff at a local office can handle these situations, but the online system cannot.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process: your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and e-check payments.
You will also need access to a computer or smartphone with internet connection and a web browser. The DPS website works on most modern browsers, but you may encounter issues on older versions of Internet Explorer. If you have trouble accessing the site, try a different browser or device.
The step-by-step renewal process
Start by going to the Texas DPS website and locating the online renewal portal. You will enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. DPS will then display your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct. If any detail is wrong — your name, address, or other data — you cannot proceed online and must visit a DPS office instead.
After confirming your information, you will review the renewal terms and conditions, then proceed to payment. Enter your payment method details and the amount due. The fee depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid; a standard five-year renewal typically costs between $16 and $97. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Print or save your confirmation number. You do not need to do anything else — DPS will mail your renewed license to the address on file. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, use your confirmation number to check the status on the DPS website or contact DPS directly.
How long the process takes and when you get your license
The online transaction itself takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. After you submit payment, DPS processes the order and prints your new license, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Mailing adds another 3 to 5 business days, so you should expect your renewed license to arrive within 7 to 10 business days total.
You can legally continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive in the mail. You do not need to carry a confirmation email or receipt — your expired license is still valid for driving purposes until the new one reaches you. If you need to drive out of state or cross an international border before your new license arrives, bring your expired license and your confirmation number as backup documentation.
Renewal fees and payment options
The fee for online renewal is identical to the fee for in-person renewal at a DPS office. The amount depends on your license type and the validity period you choose. A standard Class C driver's license renewed for five years typically costs $16 to $25, while a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license valid for longer periods costs more. You can see the exact fee before you complete payment on the DPS website.
DPS accepts four credit and debit card brands — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — as well as e-check payments. There is no additional fee for paying by card or e-check. If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card or payment method.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, or if you do not meet the requirements listed above, you have two options: renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. By-mail renewal requires you to submit a paper process and your current license to a DPS office; this takes longer than online renewal but does not require a visit.
To find a DPS office near you, use the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. If you choose to renew by mail, read the process form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than 60 days ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that are expired or expiring within 60 days. If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a valid passport.
What happens if I moved since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days. DPS will update your address during the in-person renewal.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact DPS to resolve the suspension first, then renew in person at an office. Call DPS or check the website to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to clear it.
How do I check the status of my renewed license after I submit the online form?
Use your confirmation number on the Texas DPS website to track your renewal status. The tracking tool shows whether your license has been printed and mailed. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact DPS with your confirmation number and they can investigate.
Can I renew online if I need to change my name or address?
No. Online renewal only works if your information is exactly the same as what DPS has on file. If you need to change your name, address, or any other detail, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring the required documents to support the change.