What You Can and Cannot 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 still valid or expired no more than two years ago. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot use online renewal if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person as well.

Online renewal is available only if you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard Texas driver license. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID for the first time, you must go to a DPS office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license expired within the last two years and has not been suspended or revoked.
  • Online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
  • Changes to your name, address, or other personal details require an in-person visit to a DPS office, not online renewal.

Step-by-Step: Renewing Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Driver License Online Services." You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver license number and date of birth. If you do not have an online account yet, you will create one at this step using an email address and password.

Once logged in, select "Renew Driver License" and confirm that your personal information is correct. The system will show your current license details — name, address, date of birth, and restrictions or endorsements. If any information is wrong, stop here and schedule an in-person appointment instead, because you cannot fix it online.

Choose your renewal period: four years ($16) or eight years ($32). Enter your payment information — the system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number in case you need to check on your order later.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you moved recently and have not updated your address with DPS, your license will go to your old address. In that case, contact DPS before you renew to update your address first.

What Happens After You Submit Your Online Renewal

The Texas DPS processes online renewals in the order they are received. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You can continue to drive using your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive in the mail.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, you can check the status using your confirmation number on the Texas DPS website. If there is a problem with your order — such as a payment issue or an address error — DPS will contact you by phone or email using the information you provided during renewal.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DPS office. You do not have to do anything else; your new license is valid as soon as you receive it.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number — typically a passport or birth certificate, a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security card.

If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, online renewal is not available. You will need to resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before you can renew. Contact your local DPS office or call 1-888-589-6900 to find out why your license is not valid and what steps you need to take.

If you want to change your name, address, or other personal information, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement) or restrictions. You can schedule an in-person appointment on the Texas DPS website.

Documents and Information You Need Before You Start

Have your current Texas driver license number ready — you will need it to log in. You will also need your Social Security number and a valid payment method. The Texas DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover; it does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets.

Make sure the email address you use to create your online account is one you check regularly. DPS will send your confirmation number and any updates about your renewal to this email. If there is a problem with your order, DPS may try to contact you by phone, so have your phone number ready as well.

If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address with DPS before you renew online. You can do this through the Texas DPS website or by visiting an office in person. If you renew online with an outdated address on file, your new license will be mailed to that old address.

Fees and Payment Methods for Online Renewal

A four-year renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only two options available for online renewal. The fee is non-refundable once you submit your payment, even if you change your mind before your new license arrives.

The Texas DPS accepts credit and debit cards only — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. Your credit card or bank statement will show a charge from "Texas DPS" or "State of Texas."

If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and give you the chance to try again with a different card. If you are unsure why your payment was declined, contact your bank or card issuer before you attempt renewal again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired three years ago?

No. Online renewal is only 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. You will need to bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.

What if I do not receive my new license after two weeks?

Check the status of your renewal on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number. If it shows no progress, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900. Mail delays can happen, but DPS can investigate if your license was lost or if there was an error with your order.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. You cannot change your address, name, or other personal information through online renewal. Update your address on the DPS website or at an office before you renew. If you renew with an outdated address, your new license will be mailed to that address.

Do I need a Real ID to renew online?

No. You can renew online whether you have a standard Texas driver license or a Real ID-compliant license. However, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID for the first time, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring original documents.

Can I renew online if my license was suspended?

No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visit an office to find out why your license is not valid and what you need to do to resolve it.