You can renew an expired Texas license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired
Texas allows you to renew a license that has already expired, but the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) treats renewals differently depending on whether your license expired recently or years ago. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
The reason for this distinction is that DPS wants to may support your information is current and that you can still see well enough to drive safely. A license that has been expired for a long time means your address, medical information, or vision may have changed significantly since it was last verified.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than two years can be renewed online, by mail, or in person; licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal costs $25 plus postage and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your expired license, and you will need to pass a vision test.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, bring documents showing your current legal name and address, as DPS may require additional verification.
Renewing online if your license expired within two years
The fastest way to renew an expired Texas license is through the DPS website at txdps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your current address or update it if you have moved.
Online renewal costs $25 and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your name, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo online — those changes require an in-person visit. If you need any of those updates, you must go to a DPS office instead.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within two years
You can also mail in your renewal process using Form DL-44, which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Fill out the form, include your expired license, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, plus the time for your envelope to arrive.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and carries the risk that your envelope could be lost in transit. Most people choose online renewal when it is available because it is faster and you have a record of your submission when ready.
Renewing in person at a DPS office if your license expired within two years
You can walk into any DPS office and renew your expired license on the spot. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license the same day. In-person renewal costs $25.
In-person renewal is useful if you need your new license when ready, if you want to update your photo, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day — early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually less crowded than late afternoons and weekends.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your license was issued (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
At the office, you will take a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws. If you pass both, you will receive your new license the same day. The cost is $25. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day to try again.
The written test is the same test new drivers take, so if you have not driven in several years, you may want to review the Texas Driver Handbook before your visit. You can read it free from the DPS website or ask for a copy at the office.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (expired less than 2 years) | Driver's license number, Social Security number, email address | $25 | 7–10 business days |
| Mail (expired less than 2 years) | Expired license, Form DL-44, check or money order | $25 | 2–3 weeks plus mail time |
| In-person (expired less than 2 years) | Expired license, proof of address, Social Security number | $25 | Same day |
| In-person (expired more than 2 years) | Expired license, proof of SSN, proof of address, proof of legal name if changed | $25 | Same day (after passing vision and written tests) |
Finding a DPS office near you
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many smaller towns. To find the office nearest you, visit txdps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. The website also shows each office's hours and whether it offers services by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
Some offices are appointment-only, especially in larger cities. If the office near you requires an appointment, you can book one through the DPS website. Appointment slots sometimes fill up weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive 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 are stopped by police, you must show proof that you have applied for renewal. Online and mail renewals provide a confirmation number you can print and carry. For in-person renewal, your new license is issued when ready, so you can drive as soon as you leave the office.
What if I lost my expired license?
You can still renew online or by mail if your license expired less than two years ago — you do not need to have the physical card. For in-person renewal, bring a photo ID instead, such as a passport or state ID card. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to bring an alternative photo ID to the DPS office.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired less than two years ago?
No. If your license expired less than two years ago, you renew without retaking any tests, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You only retake the written and vision tests if your license expired more than two years ago and you renew in person.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other reasons, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court or the DPS to find out whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
How long is a renewed license valid?
A renewed Texas driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime during the two years before it expires.