Texas lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows online renewal through their website at dps.texas.gov. You can renew up to 240 days before your license expires or up to two years after it expires. If your license is expired more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Medical restrictions, name changes, or address changes that require a new photo also mean you cannot use the online route.

The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year renewal or $50 for an eight-year renewal. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card). Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
  • The online renewal costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years and takes 10 minutes on the DPS website.
  • You need your driver's license number, email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the transaction.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Step-by-step process for online renewal

Go to dps.texas.gov and click the "Driver License" section. Select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show your current information.

Review your name, address, and other details. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online—you must visit a DPS office in person. Enter your email address and choose your renewal length (five or eight years). Pay with your debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt by email. That email serves as proof of renewal while you wait for your physical license to arrive.

What happens after you submit your renewal

DPS processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new license is then printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 7 business days after that, so total time is usually 7 to 10 business days from submission. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time—there is no gap in your driving authority.

If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. DPS can reprint and resend your license if it was lost or damaged in the mail, though this may take another week.

When you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not accept your renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal.

Medical restrictions also block online renewal. If your license shows a medical condition code or restriction, you must renew at a DPS office so an examiner can review your medical status. A name change requires a new photo, which also means you must go in person. If you are unsure whether your license has restrictions, call DPS at 1-888-589-6789 before attempting online renewal.

Address changes and other updates

If you moved and need to update your address, you cannot do it through online renewal. You must visit a DPS office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days). DPS will issue a new license with the updated address and take a new photo. This takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as a standard renewal.

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you also need to renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DPS will photograph you and issue a new license with your legal name.

Payment and confirmation

Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. DPS does not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewal. The $25 or $50 charge appears on your card statement as "Texas DPS Driver License Renewal." There are no additional fees or hidden charges.

After you pay, DPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. This email contains your confirmation number, the amount charged, and the expected delivery date of your new license. Keep this email for your records. If you need to dispute the charge or confirm the transaction, you will need the confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online if I just moved to Texas from another state?

No. If you have a license from another state, you must get a Texas license in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew an out-of-state license online through Texas DPS. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You cannot renew online if your license is lost. You must visit a DPS office and report it lost. DPS will issue a replacement license with a new number. Bring proof of identity and residency. If your lost license has not expired, there is a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No. CDL renewals must be done in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification. Standard driver's licenses can be renewed online, but commercial licenses cannot.

How long is my license valid after I renew it online?

If you choose the five-year renewal, your new license is valid for five years from the issue date. If you choose the eight-year renewal, it is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on your new license. You can renew again online 240 days before that date.

What if the online system says I cannot renew?

The system may reject your renewal if your license is expired more than two years, you have medical restrictions, or your information does not match DPS records. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out why you were rejected. A DPS representative can tell you whether you need to renew in person or if there is a data issue that needs to be corrected first.