Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years for most adults, though the exact length depends on your age and when you were issued

A standard Texas driver's license issued to someone between 18 and 84 years old is good for six years from the date it was issued. If you were under 18 when you got your license, it expires on your 18th birthday. If you're 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You can find your expiration date printed on the front of your card — it's the date after "Expires."

Texas does not send you a reminder when your license is about to expire, so it's your responsibility to track the date. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you only expired yesterday. The consequences include a traffic ticket, a fine, and potential points on your driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Texas adults have a license valid for six years from the issue date, with the expiration date printed on the front of the card.
  • Drivers under 18 when issued have a license that expires on their 18th birthday; drivers 85 and older get a two-year license.
  • Texas does not send expiration reminders, so you need to check your card or set your own calendar alert.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

When your license expires based on your age

The expiration timeline is straightforward once you know which category you fall into. If you were 18 or older when you received your license, it will expire six years later. If you were younger than 18, your license automatically expires on the day you turn 18, regardless of how recently you got it. This is because Texas treats licenses issued to minors as temporary.

Once you turn 18, you can renew your license for the standard six-year term. If you're 85 or older, your license is valid for two years instead of six. This shorter window applies whether you're renewing for the first time at that age or renewing again after your previous license expired.

How to renew before your license expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This gives you a wide window to take care of it without rushing. Texas offers three ways to renew: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

The online method is the fastest if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, and your address hasn't changed. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't meet the online requirements, you'll need to renew by mail or in person. By mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and requires you to submit your current license and a completed process form. Renewing in person at a DPS office is the most when ready option; you'll walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent one by mail.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a ticket and a fine. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200 for a first offense. An expired license also counts as a moving violation on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot straightforward renew it — you'll need to reapply as if getting a new license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the driving test, and paying the full process fee. For this reason, it's worth renewing even if you haven't driven in a while.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

If you choose to renew in person, you'll need to bring specific documents to a Texas DPS office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test. The office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you'll need to complete form DL-44, which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by mail. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $25 for a six-year license), and proof of residency. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address, or if you have medical conditions to report. In those cases, you must renew in person or contact the DPS office directly.

Renewing online

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if you meet the may be able to access requirements: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions to report, your address hasn't changed, and you're not over 85. The process is straightforward — you'll log in, verify your information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and submit. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license.

If you're not sure whether you're may be able to access to renew online, the DPS website has a tool that checks your status before you start the process. This saves you time if you need to renew in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

If you renew in person, yes — you receive a temporary license valid for 45 days. If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving. However, once your license has expired, you cannot drive legally, even if you've submitted a renewal process.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You'll need to replace it rather than renew it. You can replace a lost license in person at a DPS office or by mail. Bring proof of identity and residency. A replacement license costs less than a renewal and will be valid for the remainder of your original six-year term, not a new six years.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, no — your existing photo is used. If you renew in person or by mail, a new photo is taken (in person) or you may be asked to provide one. Check the specific requirements for your renewal method on the Texas DPS website.

What if my address changed since I got my license?

You must update your address in person at a DPS office or by mail — you cannot do it online. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. Updating your address is free and does not extend your license expiration date.