You can renew an expired Texas license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired
Texas allows you to renew a license that has already expired, but the method available to you depends on how far past the expiration date you are. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail, online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, or in person at a driver's license office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass the written test again. The state does not charge extra fees for renewing an expired license — you pay the standard renewal fee, which varies based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.
The key difference between renewing an expired license and renewing before expiration is that expired renewals sometimes require you to provide updated documents or pass a vision test, depending on how long the license has been expired and which renewal method you choose. Texas does not suspend your driving privileges straightforward because your license expired, but driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than two years can be renewed by mail, online, or in person; licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit and a written test.
- The standard renewal fee applies to expired licenses — there is no penalty fee for letting your license expire, but you cannot legally drive until it is renewed.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license expired within two years and you have not had a name change or address update since it was issued.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office requires an appointment in most Texas counties, which you can book through the DPS website.
- If you renew in person after more than two years of expiration, bring your current address proof, such as a utility bill or lease, because the state will verify your information.
Online renewal for licenses expired less than two years
The Texas DPS website allows online renewal if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you meet a few conditions. You must have a valid email address on file, your address must not have changed since the license was issued, and you cannot have had any name changes. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked at any point, or if you are over 79 years old (drivers 79 and older must renew in person).
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS License Renewal page, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes one to two weeks after processing. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, and you can use that number to check the status of your renewal on the DPS website.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years
If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago. read the process for Renewal of Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it along with your renewal fee to the address listed on the form. You do not need to include a new photo — the state will use your existing photo from your expired license.
Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Keep a copy of your process and the confirmation number for your records. If you want to track your renewal status, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789, though wait times can be long during peak periods.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, or if you have had a name change, address change, or other updates since your license was issued. In-person renewal also applies if you are over 79 years old or if your license was suspended or revoked. Most Texas driver's license offices now require an appointment, which you can book through the Texas DPS website by selecting your county and preferred location.
Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since the license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The renewal fee varies based on your license type and renewal period, but you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the written test again. The test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and takes about 20 minutes. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DPS website. After you pass the test and complete the renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed to you.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number and date of birth only | License expired less than two years; no address or name changes |
| Completed Form DL-44 and renewal fee | License expired less than two years; prefer not to visit an office | |
| In-person | Expired license, proof of address, Social Security card or number, renewal fee | License expired more than two years; address or name changes; over 79 years old |
| In-person (after 2+ years expired) | All of the above, plus certified name-change document if applicable | License expired more than two years; must retake written test |
Renewal fees and how long processing takes
Texas renewal fees depend on your license type and the number of years you are renewing for. A standard four-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal, and commercial driver's licenses cost more than regular licenses. The DPS website lists current fees by license type. You pay the same fee whether your license is expired or not — there is no penalty or surcharge for renewing after expiration.
Processing time varies by method. Online renewal typically processes within one to two weeks, and your new license arrives by mail within that timeframe. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from receipt. In-person renewal is fastest — you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license urgently, in-person renewal is your best option because you can drive legally on the temporary license right away.
What to do if you cannot find your expired license
If you have lost your expired license and cannot locate it, you can still renew. For online or mail renewal, you will need your driver's license number, which you can find on any document issued by the state or by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. If you do not have your license number, you must renew in person, and the DPS can look up your information using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
For in-person renewal without your expired license, bring your Social Security card, proof of your current address, and a government-issued photo ID such as a passport. The DPS staff can verify your identity and pull up your driver's license record in their system. This process takes slightly longer than a standard in-person renewal, so plan for extra time at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No, driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive legally. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot drive until your new license arrives.
What happens if I get pulled over while my license is expired?
You can receive a traffic citation for driving with an expired license. The fine varies but is typically a minor traffic violation. If you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, some officers may issue a warning instead, but this is not may provide. It is best to avoid driving until your renewal is complete.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?
No, the state uses your existing photo from your expired license for mail and online renewals. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office, where you will have a new photo taken as part of the renewal process.
How do I know if my license has been suspended or revoked?
You can check your driver's license status on the Texas DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail and must visit a driver's license office in person to resolve the issue before renewing.
What if I moved to Texas from another state after my license expired?
If you hold an expired license from another state, you cannot renew it through Texas. You must obtain a new Texas driver's license by visiting a driver's license office in person with proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of your Social Security number. You will need to pass the written test and vision test as part of the new license process.