Renewing an Expired License in Texas
You can renew an expired Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your information or photo.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you have the most options. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam. The process takes longer for older expirations because DPS treats them as new licenses rather than renewals.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than two years can renew by mail or online; licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- Online renewal costs $25 and takes about two weeks; mail renewal costs $16 but takes four to six weeks.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail).
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update it through the DPS website before renewing by mail or online.
- DPS offices are often busy; check wait times on the DPS website before visiting in person.
Renewing Online if Your License Expired Within Two Years
Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address. Go to the Texas DPS online services portal, select "Renew Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
The system will confirm your identity and show you the current information on file. Review it carefully—if anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must renew in person instead. If everything is correct, you will pay $25 by credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
You do not need to take a new photo for online renewal. DPS will use your existing photo from your expired license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.
Renewing by Mail if Your License Expired Within Two Years
Mail renewal is cheaper than online renewal but slower. read the DL-44 form from the DPS website or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill it out completely, including your current address, and sign it. Attach a check or money order for $16 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."
Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the DPS website (it varies by region). Include a copy of one document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. DPS will process your renewal in four to six weeks and mail your new license to the address you provided.
Like online renewal, mail renewal uses your existing photo. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must update it before mailing the form, or renew in person instead.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you want to correct information on your license. Bring your expired license, proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days), and payment of $25 (cash, check, or card—accepted methods vary by office).
Go to the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website, enter your city or zip code, and choose an office near you. Many offices let you check current wait times online before you arrive. Some offices take appointments through the online system; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits.
At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your address and any medical conditions. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to pass a written exam on traffic laws. The staff will tell you what to expect when you check in. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in one to two weeks.
What Happens if Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago
Licenses expired more than two years are treated as new licenses by DPS, not renewals. You must visit a driver's license office in person. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and complete a written exam on Texas traffic laws. The exam covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.
You can study for the exam using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Most people pass on their first attempt if they spend 30 minutes reviewing it beforehand.
The cost is still $25, and you will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. If you fail the vision test or written exam, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
Updating Your Address Before or During Renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address before renewing by mail or online. You can update your address through the DPS website without renewing your license—this is free and takes a few minutes. Go to the online services portal, select "Change Address," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address.
Once your address is updated in the system, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired within two years. If you prefer to update your address and renew at the same time, or if your license expired more than two years ago, renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
No. Driving with 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 that day and can drive when ready. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot drive until your new license arrives.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. For online or mail renewal, you will need your driver's license number, which you may find on old insurance documents, vehicle registration, or bank records. If you cannot locate it, you must renew in person and bring proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate. The DPS staff can look up your license number using your name and date of birth.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes about two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Times may be longer during busy periods.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your expired license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name and issue a new license with your new photo.