Texas driver's licenses expire based on your age and license type

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. However, the exact expiration date depends on your age when you get the license and whether you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you are under 18 when you receive your license, it expires on your 24th birthday. If you are 18 or older, your license expires six years after the issue date.

Commercial driver's licenses follow a different timeline. A CDL is valid for five years from the date of issue, regardless of your age. If you hold both a standard license and a CDL, they may have different expiration dates, and you will need to renew each one according to its own schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses issued to adults expire six years after the issue date; licenses issued before age 18 expire on your 24th birthday.
  • Commercial driver's licenses expire five years after issue, separate from any standard license you may hold.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either in person at a DPS office or online if you meet certain requirements.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) mails renewal reminders 60 days before expiration, but the reminder is not a may provide of delivery.

When your license expires if you were under 18 at issue

If you received your first Texas driver's license before your 18th birthday, the license expires on your 24th birthday, not six years after issue. This means a 16-year-old who gets a license will have it expire at age 24, giving them eight years of validity. A 17-year-old's license will expire at age 24 as well, giving them seven years.

The reason for this rule is that Texas law requires younger drivers to renew in person at a DPS office rather than online or by mail. By setting the expiration at age 24, the state ensures that drivers have reached adulthood and can complete the renewal process independently. When you turn 24, you will need to visit a DPS office to renew, and at that point you can choose the standard six-year renewal cycle.

How to check your license expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your physical license card in the lower right corner. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. You can also view your expiration date by logging into your account on the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, though you will need to set up an online account first if you have not already done so.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the expiration date clearly, you can call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm when your license expires. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The DPS website also allows you to check your license status and expiration date without creating an account by entering your license number and date of birth.

When you can start the renewal process

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This means if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can begin the renewal process as early as June 15, 2024. Starting early gives you time to gather documents, schedule an appointment if needed, or handle any issues that come up during the process.

The Texas DPS mails renewal reminders approximately 60 days before your license expires. However, these reminders are not may provide to reach you if your address on file is outdated or if mail is delayed. Do not rely solely on receiving a reminder—check your license expiration date yourself and plan to renew before that date arrives.

Renewing online versus in person

If you are 18 or older and your license is not expired, you may renew online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office. Online renewal is available if your license is still valid, you have no medical conditions that require a new photo, and your address has not changed. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs less than an in-person renewal, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You must renew in person at a DPS office if you are under 24 renewing for the first time, if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. In-person renewals require an appointment at most DPS offices. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone at 1-888-589-6556. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents showing name or address changes.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you are only one day past the expiration date. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The penalty is typically a fine, though the exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This means taking the written test and vision test again, paying the full process fee, and waiting for processing. To avoid this situation, renew your license before the expiration date, even if you do not drive frequently. If you realize your license has expired after you have already driven, visit a DPS office as soon as possible to renew or explore for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

If you are a Texas resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online if your license is still valid and you meet the other online renewal requirements. If your license has expired or you need to renew in person, you will need to visit a DPS office in Texas or contact the DPS to discuss your options. Some military members and their families stationed overseas may have additional options.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You can replace a lost license at any DPS office by bringing your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of ID. The replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was close to expiration, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it, which requires only one visit and one fee.

Do I need to renew my license if I do not drive?

A Texas driver's license is a form of identification even if you do not drive. If you want to keep it valid for identification purposes, you must renew it before it expires. However, if you do not need it as ID and do not plan to drive, you can let it expire without penalty. You cannot drive legally with an expired license under any circumstances.

How much does it cost to renew in Texas?

Online renewal costs $25 for a six-year license. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $27 for a six-year license. If you are renewing early because your license was lost or damaged, the fee may differ. Military members and certain other groups may may have access to for fee reductions or waivers—ask at the DPS office or check the website for current may be able to access.