What you can renew online in Texas

You can renew your Texas driver's 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, costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Not every license can be renewed online. You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you're under 18, or if your vision has changed significantly since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if you've had certain traffic violations or if your license was suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no address or name changes.
  • The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by credit card or debit card during the online process.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until it arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person, and you can check wait times on the DPS website before you go.

Steps to renew your license online

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Renew Your Driver License" option under the Driver License section. You'll be taken to a page that asks you to confirm you meet the requirements for online renewal. Answer the questions honestly—the system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access and what you need to do instead.

Once you confirm your may be able to access, you'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information. Review it carefully. If anything is wrong—your address, name, or any other detail—stop and renew in person instead, because online renewal cannot fix those errors.

If everything is correct, you'll choose how long you want your new license to be valid: four years or eight years. Then you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep that confirmation number in case you need to check on your license status later.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you complete the online renewal, the Texas DPS processes your request and mails your new license to the address on file. This typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time—it remains valid until your new one arrives.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, you can check the status on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number. If there's a problem, you may need to visit a DPS office in person to resolve it.

When you must renew in person instead

You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. In that case, you must visit a DPS office and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and may test your vision.

You also must renew in person if you need to change your name, correct your address, or update any other information on your license. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. The same applies if you're under 18 or if you've had your license suspended or revoked.

To find a DPS office near you and check current wait times, visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can save you time waiting in line.

Fees and payment methods

Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. These are the standard renewal fees; there are no additional charges for renewing online. You pay by credit card or debit card during the online process. The Texas DPS does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewal.

If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fees are the same, but you may have additional options for payment depending on the office. Some offices accept cash, while others only take cards. Check with your local office before you go.

What to do if your renewal is denied

If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access to renew online, it will explain why. Common reasons include an expired license that's more than two years old, a suspended or revoked license, or a change in your vision prescription. The system will direct you to the next step—usually visiting a DPS office in person.

If you believe the system made an error, you can contact the Texas DPS by phone or visit an office to discuss your situation. Bring any documents that support your case, such as proof that your license was not actually suspended or that your vision has not changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and may test your vision.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your renewal. You can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives. If you don't receive it within 10 business days, check the status on the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number.

What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?

If you made a mistake during the online renewal process, contact the Texas DPS as soon as possible. Depending on what the error is, you may need to renew in person instead. Do not ignore the error—it could cause problems when you try to use your new license.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Texas. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You cannot change your address through online renewal. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The office will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.