What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Texas
Texas lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that changed, your address has not changed, and you are not required to take a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website to use while you wait.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online process — you must go to a DPS office in person. The same applies if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove restrictions, or if you have never held a Texas license before.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years and nothing about your medical status, vision, or address has changed.
- The online renewal costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
- You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the process.
- If you need a new photo, have a medical condition, or your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal
Start by going to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and selecting the driver's license renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what you can and cannot change during renewal.
Review your personal information on the screen — name, address, and date of birth. If any of this is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must go to a DPS office instead. If everything is correct, you will move to the payment step. Enter your debit or credit card information. Texas does not accept checks, money orders, or cash online.
After payment is processed, you will see a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The system will also give you the option to print a temporary license valid for 45 days. Print this when ready if you need to drive before your renewed license arrives in the mail.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
Once you complete the online renewal, the Texas DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use the temporary license you printed during this time, and it is valid for driving, voting, and other purposes that require a license.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number ready. The DPS can check the status of your renewal and tell you if there was a problem with your address or payment.
Do not throw away your old license until you receive the new one. Keep both until you are certain the new one arrived and is correct.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject your renewal request. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return). The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, such as a seizure disorder or vision loss, and you have not reported it to the DPS. If your license has medical restrictions or if you have had a change in your health, you must renew in person and may need to provide a medical report from your doctor.
Address changes also require an in-person visit. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot update your address online during renewal. You must go to a DPS office and bring proof of your new address.
Finding a DPS Office If You Need to Renew in Person
The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices across the state. Use the office locator on the DPS website to find the one nearest you. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the system will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office in your area.
Many DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch. Call ahead before you go, because some offices have wait times of one to two hours, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. A few DPS offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the website, which can save you time.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you are renewing because of a medical condition, bring any medical documentation your doctor has provided. Payment at the office is by cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted in person.
Temporary License and Driving While You Wait
After you complete your online renewal, you can print a temporary license from the confirmation page. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as your physical license for driving, voting, and identification purposes. Print it on regular paper and carry it with you.
If you did not print the temporary license right away, you can go back to the DPS website and log in with your confirmation number to print it later. You do not need to pay again. The temporary license will show your driver's license number, name, date of birth, and expiration date.
If your new license arrives before the 45 days are up, you can stop using the temporary license and switch to your new one. Destroy the temporary license once you have the physical license in hand.
Payment Methods and Fees
Online renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You must pay by debit card or credit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. The Texas DPS does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets for online renewal.
There is no additional fee for printing a temporary license. The fee you pay online covers the license itself and the mailing cost. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee is the same, but you can pay by cash or check as well as by card.
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card. Your license will not be renewed until payment goes through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot update your address during an online renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days. The office will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your online renewal. You can print a temporary license to use while you wait. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Print the temporary license from the confirmation page when ready after you renew online. It is valid for 45 days and works for driving, voting, and identification. You can also visit a DPS office in person if you need a license the same day, though you will pay the renewal fee again.
Can I renew online if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
No. If you have a medical condition or vision problem that requires restrictions on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. The office will determine what restrictions explore and issue your new license.