You can renew an expired Texas driver's license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired
If your Texas driver's license has already expired, you cannot use it to drive legally. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew an expired license, but the method available to you depends on how many years it has been expired. If it expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
The reason for this rule is that DPS requires a new photo and signature for licenses expired longer than two years. You cannot provide those remotely, so an in-person visit becomes necessary. Even if your license is only slightly expired, going in person is always an option if you prefer it or need your new license quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than two years can be renewed by mail or online; licenses expired longer than two years require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- Online renewal costs $25 and takes about two weeks; mail renewal costs $25 and takes four to six weeks; in-person renewal costs $25 and is usually completed the same day.
- You will need your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number to renew.
- DPS offices do not require an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewing online if your license expired within the last two years
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license expired fewer than two years ago. You will go to the DPS website, select "Renew Driver License Online," and answer questions about your current license and personal information. The system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record.
The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will pay $25 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and delivery typically takes two weeks. You can continue to use your expired license for identification purposes while you wait, though you cannot legally drive with it.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed since your license was issued, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within the last two years
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you want to avoid going to a DPS office. You will need to print and complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website, or request it by calling the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789.
Include your completed form, your expired license, proof of residency (such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. The cost is $25, which you can pay by check or money order included with your process.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit an office or have internet access to complete the process.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will also choose in-person renewal if your license expired within two years but you prefer to complete it when ready or need your new license the same day.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment. Walk into any DPS office during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times vary widely depending on the office location and time of day; early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less busy than late afternoons and Saturdays.
At the office, a DPS employee will take a new photo and signature, verify your information, and process your renewal. The cost is $25, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it. Most people receive their license when ready.
Documents you will need for any renewal method
Regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, you will need the same three categories of documents. First, bring your expired Texas driver's license itself. Second, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A government check or tax return also works. Third, bring proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return showing your full Social Security number.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you will also need to bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, you cannot renew under a different name.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Texas driver's license is illegal. If you are stopped by a police officer, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The penalty is a fine of up to $200 for a first offense. If your license has been expired for more than one year, the fine can be higher, and you may face additional charges.
Your vehicle insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving with an expired license at the time of an accident. For these reasons, it is important to renew your license before you need to drive again, even if you are not planning to drive when ready.
Finding a DPS office near you
The Texas DPS website has a tool to find the nearest driver license office. Go to the DPS website, select "Locations," and enter your city or ZIP code. The tool will show you all nearby offices, their hours, and their phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others are open Saturday as well. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
If you call ahead, DPS staff can tell you the current wait time at that office. This is helpful if you want to avoid a long wait. Some offices are consistently busier than others, so calling first can save you time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive legally while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person at a DPS office to receive your license the same day. Do not drive with an expired license while waiting for a mail or online renewal to be processed.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office. Tell the employee that your license is lost. They will process your renewal as a replacement and issue you a new license. You do not need the expired license itself to renew, though having it makes the process slightly faster.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license?
Not necessarily. A standard driver's license is still valid for most purposes. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need a Real ID-compliant license starting in May 2025. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must do so in person at a DPS office and bring additional documents such as a passport or birth certificate.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Texas driver's license?
The renewal fee is $25 for a standard driver's license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are upgrading to a Real ID at the same time, the cost is higher. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online and in-person accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card; mail renewal accepts check or money order.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic tickets. However, if you have an outstanding warrant related to a traffic offense, DPS may place a hold on your renewal. If you are unsure whether you have any holds, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6789 before you explore.