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 basic requirements. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method — either a debit card or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use the online system if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing after it expired more than two years ago, or if you're over 79 years old. You also cannot renew online if you've had a name change since your last license was issued. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
Your current license must not be damaged or illegible, and it must have been issued in Texas. If you lost your license or it's too worn to read, you cannot use the online renewal system.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is valid, undamaged, and was issued in Texas within the past two years.
- The online renewal costs the same as renewing in person and takes about 10 minutes from your computer or phone.
- You'll need your driver's license number, email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, expired more than two years ago, or you're over 79, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Step-by-Step: Renewing Online Through the DPS Website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You'll see a link that says "Renew Your Driver License Online." Click it to start the process.
On the first page, you'll enter your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully — if anything is wrong, stop here and go to a DPS office instead, because the online system won't let you make corrections.
Next, you'll confirm your mailing address. If you've moved since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online process. You'll need to visit a DPS office to update your address at the same time you renew. If your address is correct, continue to the payment screen.
Enter your debit or credit card information. The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for a six-year license. After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your order.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
Once your payment goes through, the DPS begins processing your renewal. You don't need to do anything else. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods, it may take up to two weeks.
You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until the new one is issued. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you're stopped by law enforcement, show them your old license and your confirmation email — that proves your renewal is in progress.
If your new license doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the DPS using your confirmation number. You can reach them through the website or by calling the driver's license section of your local DPS office.
When You Cannot Renew Online and Must Go In Person
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject it. You must visit a DPS office to renew. The same applies if your license has been suspended or revoked — the online system will not process your renewal, and you need to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can get a new license.
If you're 79 or older, Texas requires you to renew in person so the DPS can verify your vision and driving ability. You cannot skip this step online. Similarly, if you've changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew at an office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change.
If you need to change your address, you must do that in person as well. The online system will not let you update where your license is mailed. Go to your nearest DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Choosing Between a Four-Year and Six-Year License
When you renew online, you'll see two options: a four-year license for $25 or a six-year license for $50. Most people choose based on how long they plan to keep their current address and whether they want to renew more or less often.
A four-year license costs less upfront but requires you to renew more frequently. A six-year license costs more but you won't need to renew again for six years. If you're planning to move or expect your circumstances to change, the four-year option gives you more flexibility. If you want to avoid the renewal process for as long as possible, the six-year license is worth the extra cost.
The choice doesn't affect how quickly you receive your license or what information is on it — only how long it remains valid.
What to Do If the Online System Rejects Your Renewal
If you start the online renewal and the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it's because one of the restrictions applies to you. The system will usually tell you why — for example, "Your license expired more than two years ago" or "Your license status is suspended." Read the message carefully.
Once you know why you were rejected, you have two choices. If the issue is temporary — such as a suspension that you've already resolved — contact the DPS to confirm the suspension has been lifted, then try the online renewal again. If the issue is permanent or cannot be resolved online, such as a name change or address change, you must visit a DPS office in person.
To find your nearest DPS office, go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times and what documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I'm moving to a different state?
No. If you're moving out of Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license online. You must renew in person at a DPS office before you leave, or you can wait and get a license from your new state. If you're moving within Texas, you still cannot renew online because the system won't let you change your address.
What if I don't receive my new license within 14 days?
Contact the DPS using your confirmation number. You can reach them through the Texas Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local DPS office. They can check the status of your order and remail your license if it was lost in transit. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. You won't take a new photo unless you renew in person at a DPS office. Your new license will look the same as your current one, except for the expiration date.
Can I renew online if my license was issued in another state?
No. The online renewal system only works for licenses issued by Texas. If you have a license from another state, you must visit a DPS office in person to get a Texas license.
What if I made a mistake on my renewal form after I paid?
If you made an error before you submitted payment, you can go back and correct it. If you already paid and submitted the renewal, you cannot change it online. Contact the DPS with your confirmation number to see if they can correct it before your new license is printed. If the license is already printed with the error, you may need to renew again in person or by mail.