You can renew online if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical conditions on file

Texas lets you renew your driver's license through the Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office, but only under specific conditions. You must be a U.S. citizen, your license cannot be expired more than two years, you cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit, and you must have a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you have medical conditions on file, or you need to change your address, you must visit a driver's license office in person. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions on your record.
  • You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.
  • The Texas DPS website processes the renewal and sends your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you are ineligible for online renewal, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment at a local driver's license office.

Step-by-step process on the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety online renewal portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu. Click on "Renew Your Driver License Online." The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. It uses this information to pull up your record and check whether you meet the may be able to access requirements.

If you are may be able to access, the system will display your current information and ask you to confirm or update your mailing address. This is where your new license will be sent, so make sure it is correct. You cannot change your address to a different state during online renewal. After you confirm your address, you will review the renewal summary and pay the fee using a debit or credit card. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

What happens if you are not may be able to access for online renewal

The online system checks your may be able to access before you pay. If your license is expired more than two years, if you have medical conditions or restrictions on file, or if you need to change your address to another state, the system will tell you that you cannot renew online and will direct you to the next step.

You will be given the option to schedule an appointment at a driver's license office near you. The DPS website shows available appointment times by location, and you can book one when ready. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you have medical conditions, bring documentation from your doctor explaining any restrictions.

Renewing by mail as an alternative

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process by calling 1-888-589-6789 or visiting a driver's license office. Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Mail renewal has the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license cannot be expired more than two years, and you cannot have medical conditions on file. If either applies to you, you must renew in person at an office.

What to do if your license is expired more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person and explore for a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill dated within the last 30 days).

The in-person process includes a new photo, a vision test, and a written knowledge test. You will pay the standard license fee, which is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Schedule an appointment online at dps.texas.gov to avoid waiting in line.

Fees and payment methods for online renewal

A four-year renewal costs $16 and an eight-year renewal costs $32. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to in-person renewal.

If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to try again with a different card. If you do not have a debit or credit card, you can renew by mail using a check or money order, or you can visit a driver's license office in person and pay with cash, check, or card.

Tracking your renewed license after you submit online

After you complete your online renewal and receive your confirmation number, you can check the status of your license by visiting dps.texas.gov and entering your confirmation number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is in production, in transit, or delivered.

Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your confirmation number. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DPS can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if I moved to a different state?

No. Online renewal requires you to keep your Texas address. If you moved out of state, you must visit a driver's license office in person to update your address and renew your license, or you can renew by mail if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical conditions on file.

What if my license has medical restrictions or conditions on it?

You cannot renew online if you have medical conditions or restrictions on your license. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring documentation from your doctor explaining any restrictions or conditions. The DPS will review your medical information and decide whether to renew your license with the same restrictions or modify them.

Can I renew my license online if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the DPS or visit a driver's license office to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a driver's license office in person and request an expedited renewal, though this may cost extra.

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

Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 as soon as possible with your confirmation number. If the mistake is caught before your license is printed, the DPS may be able to correct it. If your license has already been printed with incorrect information, you may need to visit an office in person to request a correction.