Texas driver's licenses are valid for six or eight years, depending on your age and license type

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) follow different rules and are typically valid for four years, though some may be valid for five years depending on medical certification status.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner. Texas does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking when your license expires. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses expire six years from the issue date for people under 85, and two years from the issue date for people 85 and older.
  • Commercial driver's licenses have a four or five-year validity period depending on medical certification.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the lower right corner.
  • Texas does not mail renewal reminders, so you must check your license expiration date yourself and renew before it expires.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office.

Standard driver's licenses for people under 85

If you are under 85 years old, your Texas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. This means if you received your license on March 15, 2023, it will expire on March 15, 2029. The six-year term applies whether you received a Real ID-compliant license or a standard license.

You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. This gives you a wide window to renew without rushing, though many people wait until closer to the expiration date.

Driver's licenses for people 85 and older

Texas requires more frequent renewal for drivers 85 and older. Your license is valid for only two years from the issue date. This shorter validity period reflects state policy regarding older drivers, though it does not mean you must pass a driving test to renew—you still renew through the standard process.

If you turn 85 before your current license expires, you do not need to renew when ready. You can continue using your license until its printed expiration date. Your next renewal will be for a two-year license.

Commercial driver's licenses and their validity periods

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas is valid for four years if you have a valid medical certificate on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety. If your medical certification has expired or you do not have one, your CDL is valid for only one year, and you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle without current medical certification.

Some CDLs may be valid for five years if they were issued under federal regulations that allow extended validity for certain medical certifications. The specific validity period depends on the type of medical certificate you hold and when it was issued.

Where to find your expiration date

Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your Texas driver's license in the lower right corner. The format is typically MM/DD/YYYY. Check this date regularly, especially as you approach the end of each year, since Texas does not send renewal notices in the mail.

If you cannot locate your license or the expiration date is unclear, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or check your records from when you last renewed. You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm your expiration date.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. This applies even if your license expired only one day ago.

If your license has expired, you cannot legally operate a vehicle until you renew it. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. The method you choose depends on whether you need to update your address, photograph, or other information on your license.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license and do not need to update your photograph or address. Online renewal typically takes a few business days.

If you need to update your photograph, address, or other information, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. Renewing by mail takes longer—typically two to three weeks—so plan accordingly if your expiration date is approaching. In-person renewal at a DPS office is usually completed the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?

No. Texas law does not allow a grace period for expired licenses. You cannot legally drive once your license expiration date has passed. If you are stopped, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, even if it expired only one day ago.

Do I get a reminder when my license is about to expire?

No. Texas does not mail renewal reminders. You are responsible for tracking your expiration date, which is printed on the front of your license. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder several months before your expiration date so you have time to renew.

What if I turn 85 before my license expires?

You can continue using your current license until its printed expiration date. You do not need to renew early. When you do renew, your new license will be valid for two years instead of six years.

How long does online renewal take?

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website typically takes a few business days. Your new license will be mailed to you. Renewal by mail takes two to three weeks, while in-person renewal at a DPS office is usually completed the same day.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. You will need to provide your current medical certificate or have one on file. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and any other documents the DPS requests.