What You Can and Cannot Renew Online
Texas lets you renew your driver license online if you meet specific conditions — but not all renewals work this way. You can renew online only if your license is still valid (not expired more than two years ago), you have no medical restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and you're not renewing because of a name change, conviction, or suspension. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to visit a driver license office in person.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You'll pay by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and nothing about your identity or driving record has changed.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety online renewal system is at txdps.texas.gov, and you'll need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
- Online renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card at the time you submit.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online because of a suspension, conviction, medical restriction, or other change, you must visit a driver license office in person.
Check Your may be able to access Before Starting
Before you go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website, confirm that you meet all the requirements. Your license must not be expired by more than two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online — you'll need to explore in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
Check whether you have any medical restrictions on your license. These appear on the back of your card and might include requirements to wear glasses, use hearing aids, or restrict your driving to daylight hours. If you have restrictions, you cannot renew online because the state needs to verify that your medical condition hasn't changed. You'll also need to renew in person if your address has changed, your name has changed, or if you have any active suspensions or convictions on your driving record.
If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access, call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789 before you start. They can tell you in a few minutes whether online renewal will work for you.
Go to the Texas DPS Website and Log In
Open your web browser and go to txdps.texas.gov. Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." The state's system will ask you to log in or create an account if you don't have one already.
To log in, you'll need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have both ready before you start. If you don't remember your driver license number, you can find it on the front of your physical license or on any recent renewal notice the state mailed to you.
If this is your first time using the Texas DPS online system, you may need to create an account. Follow the prompts to set up a username and password. Write down your login information so you can use it again if you need to check on your renewal status.
Review Your Information and Choose Your License Term
Once you're logged in, the system will display the information on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Check that your name, address, and date of birth are correct. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot correct major information online. You'll need to visit a driver license office in person to update your records before you can renew.
Next, choose whether you want a four-year license or an eight-year license. A four-year license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. Most people choose the eight-year option because it spreads the cost over more years, but the choice is yours. The system will show you the expiration date for whichever term you pick.
Pay and Submit Your Renewal
The system will ask for payment information. You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. The charge will appear on your statement as "Texas DPS" or "Texas Department of Public Safety."
Before you click submit, review the summary one more time. Make sure the cost is what you expected, the license term is correct, and your address is right. Once you submit, the transaction is final — you cannot cancel or change it. After you submit, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You'll use it if you need to check on your renewal status.
Track Your New License and What Happens Next
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives — there is no gap in your driving privileges. If more than 10 business days pass and you haven't received your license, go back to txdps.texas.gov and use your confirmation number to check the status of your renewal.
If your new license doesn't arrive after 14 days, call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number ready. They can tell you whether the license was mailed and help you figure out what happened if it was lost in transit.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half. You don't need to return it to the state. Your new license is valid when ready, even though you received it by mail.
What to Do If You Cannot Renew Online
If you have a suspension, conviction, medical restriction, or any other change to your record, you must visit a Texas driver license office in person. You cannot complete these renewals online. Find your nearest office at txdps.texas.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-888-589-6789 to ask which office handles your area.
Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have medical restrictions that need updating, bring a letter from your doctor explaining your condition.
In-person renewals take about 30 minutes. You'll pay the same fee as online renewal ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), and you'll receive your new license on the spot. You can drive home when ready with your new license in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online. You must visit a driver license office in person. You may also need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out what documents and tests you'll need.
What if I entered the wrong information during online renewal?
If you made a mistake before you submitted payment, you can go back and correct it. If you already submitted and paid, you cannot cancel the renewal online. Call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the renewal can be stopped or corrected before your new license is printed.
Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction like wearing glasses?
No. Any medical restriction on your license means you must renew in person. The state needs to verify that your medical condition hasn't changed. Bring a letter from your doctor confirming your current status, and visit your nearest driver license office.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license the whole time. If it takes longer than 14 days, check the status at txdps.texas.gov using your confirmation number, or call 1-888-589-6789.
What if my address changed — can I update it during online renewal?
No. If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You must visit a driver license office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.