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 or online without visiting a driver's license office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and pass a vision test.
The state treats expired licenses differently from licenses that are about to expire. An expired license is no longer valid for identification or driving, so the renewal process requires more verification than an early renewal would. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number — the same documents required for an original license process.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than two years can be renewed by mail or online; licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person, even if you held a Texas license before.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is available only if your license expired within the past two years and you have a valid email on file.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online, and does not change based on how long your license has been expired.
Renewing online if your license expired within two years
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license expired fewer than two years ago. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity against DPS records and ask you to confirm your current address and other information on file.
Online renewal does not require you to take a new photo or pass a vision test. Your new license will use the photo from your previous license unless you choose to pay an additional fee to have a new photo taken at a DPS office. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks after you complete the transaction online.
If you attempt online renewal and the system cannot verify your identity, you will be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. This can happen if your address has changed and DPS records have not been updated, or if there is a discrepancy in your personal information.
Renewing by mail for licenses expired fewer than two years
Mail renewal is available if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not want to renew online. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) or form DL-43 (Renewal process for Texas Driver License), depending on which form DPS sends you or which you read from their website. Mail the completed form along with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to the address provided by DPS.
The processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You can track the status of your renewal through the DPS website if you provide an email address with your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the process.
If DPS finds an error or missing information in your mailed process, they will contact you by mail or phone to request corrections. This can add one to two weeks to the process, so double-check all fields and signatures before mailing.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit a Texas DPS driver's license office with your documents. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).
At the office, you will take a new photo and pass a vision test. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you fail, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may be denied renewal. You can ask to retake the vision test if you fail on your first attempt.
Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks. You can check DPS office wait times online before you go, and many offices allow you to schedule an appointment in advance.
Documents you need for any renewal method
| Document Type | Examples | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Expired or valid passport, birth certificate, military ID, tribal ID | All renewal methods |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail | All renewal methods |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, 1099 form | All renewal methods |
| Expired Driver's License | Your Texas license | In-person renewal only |
Documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days of your process. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Fees and what to expect after renewal
The renewal fee for a five-year Texas driver's license is the same regardless of whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. The fee does not increase if your license has been expired for a long time. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on the renewal method you choose.
Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of renewal, contact DPS to report it. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without your expired license. Bring the other required documents (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number) to a DPS office. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to provide your expired license at all.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?
No. Mail and online renewals use your photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person or pay an additional fee to have a new photo taken at a DPS office after your renewal is complete.
What happens if I fail the vision test at the DPS office?
You can retake the vision test when ready. If you fail again, DPS may restrict your license to require corrective lenses, or they may deny renewal. You can request a retest or appeal the decision through DPS.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Most renewed licenses arrive within two to three weeks of process. If you renew in person, the 45-day temporary paper license gives you time to drive while you wait. Contact DPS if your license does not arrive within four weeks.