Most Texas drivers can renew a Texas driver license online through the Department of Public Safety portal in a few minutes. The fee is $33 for drivers 18 to 84 and $9 for drivers 85 and older, and the new card is valid for eight years (two years if you’re 85 or older).1Department of Public Safety. Driver License Fees You’ll need your current card in hand, and you have to meet DPS’s eligibility rules before the system will let you finish.
Who Can Renew Online
DPS ties online eligibility to your age, license type, record, and how you renewed last time. All of the following must be true:2Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID
- You are under 79.
- You hold a Class C, Class M, Class CM, or a CDL without a hazardous materials endorsement.
- Your license is not suspended, revoked, or canceled, and you have no outstanding warrants or unpaid traffic tickets.
- Your last renewal was done in person at a DPS office. If you renewed online last time, you have to go in this time.
- Your license expires within the next two years or has been expired for less than two years. CDLs can only be renewed up to one year before expiration.
- You are a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number already on file with DPS.
That citizenship requirement catches people off guard. Lawful permanent residents and other non-citizens generally have to visit an office so their presence documentation can be verified in person.3Department of Public Safety. Section 1 – Applying for or Renewing a Driver License, Identification Card, or Commercial Driver License
What to Have Ready Before You Start
If any of these are missing, the portal will stop you partway through:
- Your current Texas driver’s license number.
- The audit number from your card. This is an 11-to-20-digit code printed on your physical license, usually near the bottom or running vertically next to your photo.
- The last four digits of your Social Security number.
- A Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express card for the fee.
- A printer or email address to receive your temporary license receipt.
The audit number is the piece that trips people up. DPS will not read it to you over the phone for security reasons.4Department of Public Safety. Replace Your Driver License, Commercial Driver License or ID Card If your card is lost and you don’t have that number, you’ll need to request a replacement by mail or go into a DPS office.5Department of Public Safety. Section 4 – Lost or Stolen Driver License or ID Card
Walking Through the Online Renewal
Open the DPS online services portal and choose the license renewal option. The system asks for your driver’s license number, date of birth, audit number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If everything matches DPS’s records, it confirms you’re eligible and moves you forward.2Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID
Next you review your personal information and self-certify that your vision, physical health, and mental health haven’t changed in a way that affects your driving since your last renewal. It isn’t a medical exam, but answering dishonestly could create liability problems later.
Then you pay by card. That’s it. Your renewed license is valid for eight years from your previous expiration date if you’re 18 to 84, or two years if you’re 85 or older.1Department of Public Safety. Driver License Fees
Temporary License and When the Card Arrives
Print or save the temporary license receipt right after you finish. It serves as your valid license while you wait for the permanent card, which typically arrives in two to three weeks.6Department of Public Safety. Where’s My Driver License or ID Card? If it hasn’t shown up after three weeks, check the mailing status on the DPS website or contact customer service.
Your new card uses the photo already on file from your last in-person visit. There’s no way to update your photo through the online process. If you want a fresh photo, you’ll need to renew in person.
REAL ID and Flying
As of May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable federal document to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities. Standard cards without the star marking in the upper corner are no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.7Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
The card you receive after renewing online will be REAL ID-compliant with the gold star.8Texas.gov. Texas REAL ID If your current card doesn’t have one, renewing is an easy way to get compliant. One trap: TSA does not accept the temporary paper license as valid ID.7Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint Renewing online right before a flight won’t get you through the checkpoint on the printed receipt. Bring a passport instead.
Update Your Address First if You’ve Moved
Texas law requires you to update your address with DPS within 30 days of moving.9Department of Public Safety. How to Change Information on Your Driver License or ID Card The change of address is a separate online service. Do it before you renew so the new card gets mailed to the right place.
If Your License Has Already Expired
You can still renew online if your license expired less than two years ago. But driving on an expired license in the meantime is a misdemeanor, with a fine up to $200 for a first offense. A judge may dismiss the charge if you renew within 20 working days or before your first court appearance, though the court can still assess a fee of up to $20 on a dismissed charge.10State of Texas. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 521
Once your license has been expired for more than two years, online and phone renewal are off the table. You’ll have to go to a DPS office and go through a longer process that may include a vision exam.
When You Cannot Renew Online
You’ll need an in-person DPS appointment if any of these apply:3Department of Public Safety. Section 1 – Applying for or Renewing a Driver License, Identification Card, or Commercial Driver License
- You are 79 or older.
- You are under 18.
- Your last renewal was done online or by phone.
- You hold a CDL with a hazmat endorsement, a limited-term license, or a learner’s permit.
- You are not a U.S. citizen and need lawful presence documentation verified.
- Your license has been expired for more than two years.
DPS handles in-office services by appointment only, so book ahead through their website. Bring proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence if those aren’t already on your record, and expect to take a vision exam at the visit.2Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID