How to renew a Texas driver license: online, by phone, by mail or in person

Who can skip the office and renew a Texas driver license online or by phone, what you need on hand, and how to book a DPS appointment if you have to go in person.

Guide · Texas · Driver licenses · Renewals · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026

Texas driver licenses are issued and renewed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS offers four ways to renew: online, by telephone, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Which ones are open to you depends on your age, your license type and how you renewed last time. This guide walks through the decision in order, so you can tell quickly whether you need an office visit at all.

Step 1: Check your timing

DPS lets you renew a regular driver license up to two years before it expires or up to two years after it expires. A commercial driver license (CDL) is different: it can be renewed no earlier than one year before its expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, it can no longer be renewed. DPS points you to its pages on applying for a Texas driver license or ID card instead.

Step 2: See whether you can renew online or by phone

Online and phone renewal share the same eligibility rules. According to DPS and Texas.gov, you generally qualify when all of the following are true:

• You renewed in person last time. Online renewal cannot be used twice in a row; the previous renewal must have been done at a driver license office.
• Your license is within the window. It expires within two years or has been expired for less than two years.
• You are under 79. Texas.gov puts it as being 78 or younger.
• Your license class fits. Class C, M and CM licenses qualify. A CDL can qualify only if it has no hazardous materials endorsement, and a valid medical certificate must be on file if one is required.
• Your health has not changed. Your vision, physical or mental condition has not changed since your last renewal in a way that affects your driving.
• Your record is clear. The license is not suspended or revoked, and you have no outstanding warrants or traffic tickets.
• Your citizenship and SSN are on file. You must be a U.S. citizen with your Social Security number already on record with DPS.

A few situations rule out online renewal regardless:

• Learner licenses cannot be renewed online.
• If you hold both a driver license and a Texas ID card, you have to surrender one of them at a driver license office before you can use online services.
• Holders of a provisional license can renew online only if they are within 30 days of turning 18.

DPS, not Texas.gov, decides eligibility. Texas.gov notes that its help desk cannot answer eligibility questions, so contact DPS directly if your result surprises you. The DPS renewal page links to a License Eligibility check where you can verify your status.

Step 3: Gather what you need for an online or phone renewal

Before you start, have these ready:

1. Your most recent Texas driver license or ID card, including its audit number.
2. A printer or an email address, so you can keep your temporary license and receipt. DPS notes these are not available when you renew by phone.
3. A MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express card.
4. The last four digits of your Social Security number.

DPS links to Texas.gov to start an online renewal. Phone renewal uses the DPS number 1-866-357-3639 (1-866-DL RENEW).

DPS does not list the renewal fee on the renewal page itself; it links to a separate driver license fees page. Check the current amount there before you pay.

Step 4: Renewing by mail

If DPS mailed you a renewal invitation, you can follow the instructions printed on that form. DPS says that people who receive the invitation can also choose to renew online or by phone instead.

Step 5: If you must renew in person

If you do not meet the online or phone rules, you renew at a DPS driver license office. DPS lists these steps:

1. Schedule an appointment at your local driver license office (see the next section).
2. Fill out the driver license application (DPS links to form DL-14A). It is available online or at the office.
3. Give the license and permit specialist the completed application, proof of identity, and proof of U.S. citizenship (if it is not already on your record) or of lawful presence (if you are not a U.S. citizen).
4. At the office, give your signature and thumbprints and have your photo taken.
5. Pay the application fee.
6. Pass the vision exam.

Applicants under 18 who hold a provisional license must come with a parent or legal guardian.

Drivers 79 and older

DPS requires drivers aged 79 or older to renew in person at a driver license office, where the steps include passing the vision exam and a specialist reviews the application's medical history to decide whether any additional testing is needed. DPS issues an 8-year license to drivers aged 79 to 84 and a 2-year license to drivers aged 85 and over.

Booking a DPS appointment

DPS offers in-office driver license services by appointment only, booked through its online scheduler (txdpsscheduler.com). Practical points from DPS:

• Book ahead. Appointments can be made up to six months in advance.
• Same-day slots exist but go fast. DPS says most offices have a limited number of same-day appointments, bookable online, and warns that they fill up quickly. If you show up without an appointment, you can use the self-service kiosk at the office to book a slot that day if one is still open.
• Arrive on time. DPS asks you not to arrive more than 30 minutes before your appointment, and appointments are cancelled once you are 30 minutes late.
• Rescheduling. Book the new time through the scheduler; your old appointment is cancelled automatically once you confirm the new one.
• Reminders. You can sign up for email or text reminders when you book.
• Who can come in. DPS generally admits only the customer, with exceptions such as ADA accommodations, customers with small children, elderly customers, and cases like a parent giving authorization for a minor.
• Paying. Credit cards are the preferred payment. DPS also accepts money orders, cashier's checks and personal checks written for the exact amount.

Quick decision summary

• Under 79, last renewal done in person, regular Class C/M/CM license, clean record, citizenship and SSN on file: you can likely renew online or by phone.
• Renewed online last time, 79 or older, learner or provisional license (with the 30-day exception), hazmat CDL, or holding both a DL and an ID: plan on an office appointment.
• Expired more than two years: you need to apply again, not renew.