What you need to renew online in Texas
You can renew your Texas driver license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet a few other conditions. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your process is processed.
Before you start, gather your current driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll also need an email address where you can receive your confirmation.
The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Some people may pay a different amount if they're renewing a commercial driver license or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, so check the DPS website for your specific category.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address changes, medical conditions to report, or name changes since your last renewal.
- The online renewal process costs $33 for four years or $66 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online because of address changes, name changes, or other reasons, you must visit a DPS office in person.
Step-by-step process on the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License Online Services" section. Click on "Renew Your Driver License" and select the option for online renewal. You'll be asked to enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to confirm your identity.
Next, review your current information on file — your name, address, and date of birth. If any of this information is incorrect, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit a DPS office instead. If everything is correct, confirm that you meet the renewal conditions: your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no address changes, and you have no new medical conditions to report.
Enter or confirm your email address, choose your license validity period (four or eight years), and select your payment method. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal later.
When you cannot renew online
The online renewal option is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, or if you need to update your name since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver license, if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or if you have medical conditions to report to the DPS.
If any of these situations explore to you, visit a DPS office in person. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
What happens after you submit your renewal
The DPS processes online renewals within 5 to 7 business days. During this time, you can continue to drive using your current license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure that address is correct before you submit your renewal.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, check the status of your renewal on the DPS website using your confirmation number. If there's a problem with your process, the DPS will contact you by email or phone using the information you provided during renewal.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people choose to renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date and to may support they have a valid license for travel or identification purposes. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or close to your expiration date.
If you're not sure when your license expires, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card. You can also log into your DPS account online to see your license information and expiration date.
If your license was lost or stolen
You cannot renew online if your license was lost or stolen. Instead, you must visit a DPS office in person to report the loss and request a replacement. Bring a form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The replacement fee is $11, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, though this is not always available. Ask the staff member at the office what options are available in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?
No, you cannot renew online if you have a new address. 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 needs to update your address on file before issuing your new license.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the DPS processes your process. Processing usually takes 5 to 7 business days, so the total time from submission to arrival is typically 12 to 17 business days. You can continue driving with your current license until your new one arrives.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal process?
If you notice an error before you submit your process, go back and correct it. If you've already submitted and received a confirmation number, contact the DPS by phone or visit a DPS office in person to request a correction. Some errors may require you to reapply.
Can I renew my commercial driver license online?
No, commercial driver licenses must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You'll need to pass a vision test and provide updated medical certification if required. Check the DPS website for the specific documents you need to bring.
Is there a way to get my license faster than 7 to 10 business days?
Online renewal does not offer expedited processing. If you need your license sooner, visit a DPS office in person — you may receive a temporary paper license the same day, though availability varies by location. Call your local DPS office to ask about same-day options.