Renewing a License After It Has Expired
Once your Texas driver's license expires, you cannot legally drive. You will need to renew it before you get behind the wheel again. Texas allows you to renew online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, depending on how long ago your license expired and whether you need a new photo.
The method you choose depends on two things: how many years past the expiration date you are, and whether you want to keep your current photo or provide a new one. If your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, you have the fastest options. If it expired longer ago, or if you want a new photo, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than two years can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but only if you keep your current photo.
- Licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a DPS office, along with proof of identity and residency.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes about one week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you receive a temporary license the same day.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either your expired license or another form of ID to start the process.
Renewing Online If Your License Expired Within Two Years
If your Texas driver's license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the Driver License section, and select "Renew Online." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to log in.
The online process takes about 15 minutes. You will confirm your current address, pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though fees can change), and choose how you want to receive your new license. Your new license will arrive by mail within about one week. During that time, your expired license is still not valid for driving — you cannot legally operate a vehicle until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is only available if your license expired fewer than two years ago. If it has been longer, the system will not let you proceed online and will direct you to renew in person instead.
Renewing by Mail If Your License Expired Within Two Years
Mail renewal is another option if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you want to keep your current photo. You will need to request a renewal process form from the DPS. You can read it from the DPS website or call your local DPS office to have one mailed to you.
Fill out the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Like online renewal, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. This method is slower than online renewal but may be preferable if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online.
Renewing in Person at a DPS Office
If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired driver's license (or another form of ID if you do not have it), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or a document showing it. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
When you arrive at the DPS office, take a number and wait to be called. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, and pay the renewal fee. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others — visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.
What Happens If You Drive With an Expired License
Driving with an expired license is against the law in Texas. If you are stopped by a police officer, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The penalty is typically a fine, though the amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have other violations. You may also be required to appear in court.
Beyond legal consequences, driving with an expired license can complicate insurance claims. If you are in an accident, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your payout because you were driving illegally. It is worth taking the time to renew before you drive again, even if it means waiting a week or two for your new license to arrive.
Speeding Up Your Renewal
If you need your license quickly and cannot wait for mail delivery, visiting a DPS office in person is your fastest option. You will have a temporary license the same day, valid for 45 days. That temporary license is legal to carry and use while driving, so you can drive when ready after your appointment.
If you must renew by mail or online, there is no way to speed up the process — the DPS processes applications in the order they are received. Requesting expedited mail delivery from the post office will not help, because the delay is usually on the DPS side, not the mail carrier's. Plan ahead if you know your license is about to expire.
Documents You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Online (expired less than 2 years) | Driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth |
| Mail (expired less than 2 years) | Completed process form, check or money order for fee |
| In person (any expiration date) | Expired driver's license or other ID, proof of current address, Social Security number or document showing it |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DPS office if my license is expired?
Technically, no — driving with an expired license is illegal. However, many people do drive directly to the DPS office to renew. If you choose to do this, drive carefully and avoid drawing attention from police. A safer option is to have someone else drive you, or to use a rideshare service.
What if I lost my expired license and do not have another form of ID?
You will need to bring some form of identification to the DPS office. Acceptable documents include a passport, state ID card, military ID, or birth certificate. If you have none of these, call your local DPS office before you go — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the DPS office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before then. If it does not, contact the DPS to check the status of your process.
Do I have to renew in the county where I live?
No. You can visit any DPS office in Texas to renew your license, regardless of which county you live in. If one office near you has a long wait, you can try a different location.
What if my address has changed since my license was issued?
You can update your address during the renewal process, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You will be asked to confirm or change your address as part of the process. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to your updated address.