Renew Your Texas ID Online: A Comprehensive Guide

Renewing your Texas Identification Card or Driver’s License doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers several convenient methods, with online renewal being the quickest and easiest for eligible individuals. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to renew your Texas ID online, as well as other renewal options available to you.

Renewing Your Texas ID Online: The Quickest Way

Opting to renew your Texas ID online is often the most efficient method, saving you a trip to a physical office. You can renew your Texas driver license, commercial driver license, motorcycle license, or identification card online if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal

Before you start the online Texas ID renewal process, ensure you meet the following criteria. These requirements apply to both Driver Licenses and Identification Cards unless specified otherwise.

For Driver License Renewal:

• You must have renewed your license in person the last time.
• Your license class must be C, M, or CM, or any class CDL without a hazardous material (Hazmat) endorsement. Note that Hazmat endorsed licenses cannot be renewed online.
• Your current license is either expiring within the next two years or has been expired for less than two years.
• If you hold a provisional license, you must be within 30 days of turning 18.
• You must be under 79 years of age.
• Your vision, physical, and mental health must not have significantly deteriorated since your last renewal in a way that impacts your driving ability.
• For CDL holders only: You must have a valid medical certificate on file.
• Your license must be valid – not suspended, revoked, canceled, denied, or disqualified – and you must have no outstanding warrants or tickets. You can check your eligibility on the License Eligibility page.
• You must be a U.S. citizen with your Social Security number on record.

For Identification Card Renewal:

• You must have renewed your ID in person last time.
• Your current ID is expiring within the next two years or has been expired for less than two years.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must be a U.S. citizen with your Social Security number on record.

What You Need to Renew Your Texas ID Online

If you meet the eligibility criteria for online renewal, make sure you have the following information and items ready:

1. Your most recently issued Texas Driver License or Identification Card. You will need the audit number from this card.
2. A Printer or Email Address. Upon successful renewal, you will receive a temporary driver license and a payment receipt. These are provided electronically, not via phone renewal.
3. A Valid Credit Card. The online system accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express for payment of the renewal fee.
4. The Last Four Digits of Your Social Security Number.

Step-by-step Online Renewal Process

Once you have gathered all the necessary items, you can begin the online Texas ID renewal process:

1. Visit the official Texas Online Renewal Portal.
2. Follow the prompts to verify your eligibility and begin your application.
3. Enter your driver license or ID card information, including the audit number.
4. Provide the required personal information and answer all questions accurately.
5. Pay the renewal fee using your credit card.
6. Print or save your temporary driver license and payment receipt. You will receive your new physical ID card in the mail within a few weeks.

During the online renewal process, you’ll also have the option to update your emergency contact information.

Alternative Renewal Options

While online renewal is often preferred, there are other ways to renew your Texas ID:

Renewal by Phone

If you meet the online eligibility requirements, you can also renew your Texas ID by telephone. Call 1-866-DL RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to begin your phone renewal. Remember that you will not receive a temporary license or receipt via phone renewal.

Renewal by Mail

If you received an invitation to renew your Texas ID by mail, you can follow the instructions provided on the form. It’s important to note that if you received a mail-in invitation, you are also eligible to renew online or by phone, offering you greater flexibility.

In-Person Renewal at a Texas Driver License Office

For individuals who are not eligible for online, phone, or mail renewal, visiting your local driver license office is necessary. This is also the required method for first-time applicants, those needing to update photos, or those with licenses expired for more than two years (which requires applying for a new license, see below).

In-Person Renewal at a Texas Driver License Office

If you need to renew in person, here are the general steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment: It’s highly recommended to schedule an appointment beforehand using the Driver License Services – Appointments system to minimize wait times.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form (DL-14A), which you can access online or obtain at the office.
3. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Check the DPS website for a complete list based on your specific situation.
4. Visit the Driver License Office: Go to your scheduled appointment at the driver license office.
5. Provide Biometric Information: You will need to provide your signature and thumbprints.
6. Have Your Picture Taken: A new photo will be taken for your renewed ID.
7. Pay the Application Fee: Fees vary depending on the type of license or ID. Refer to the Driver License Fees page for current fee information.
8. Pass the Vision Exam: You will need to pass a vision exam at the office.

For Provisional Driver License Renewal (In-Person Required):

The process is similar for provisional licenses, but applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What if My Texas ID Has Been Expired for Over Two Years?

If your Texas Driver License or Identification Card has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it. In this case, you must apply for a new Texas Driver License or Texas Identification Card.

• Apply for a Texas Driver License
• Apply for a Texas Identification Card

Renewing your Texas ID can be a straightforward process, especially when utilizing the convenient online option. By understanding the eligibility requirements and steps involved, you can ensure a smooth and efficient renewal experience.