Texas driver's licenses expire based on your age and when you got the card

A Texas driver's license is valid for either five or eight years, depending on how old you are when you receive it. If you are under 85 years old, your license lasts eight years from the date of issue. If you are 85 or older, your license lasts five years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets these renewal windows. Your license does not automatically renew — you must explore for a new one before the expiration date passes. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have only missed the date by a day.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's licenses issued to people under 85 are valid for eight years; those issued to people 85 and older are valid for five years.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner, so you can check it without contacting DPS.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.

How to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your Texas driver's license. In the bottom right corner, you will see a date labeled "Expires." This is your expiration date. The format is month/day/year — for example, 03/15/2032 means your license expires on March 15, 2032.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the date clearly, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm when your license expires. You will need to provide your driver's license number or date of birth.

Renewing before your license expires

You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. Texas offers three ways to renew: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had more than two consecutive license suspensions, and you have not had a name change since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include the required documents, and mail the packet to the address provided. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days after DPS receives your process.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had a name change, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Visit times vary by location, so check the DPS office locator on their website to find your nearest office and current hours.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies, but a first offense typically results in a fine of up to $200.

If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can still renew online or by mail without visiting an office. However, if your license has been expired for two years or longer, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring the same documents required for a standard in-person renewal.

Renewing after a long gap

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the renewal process changes. You cannot use the online or mail options — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (such as a birth certificate or passport).

At the office, you will complete an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee for an eight-year license is $33 for those under 85, and $16.50 for those 85 and older. Processing at the office is usually completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license to drive while your new card is mailed to you.

Renewal fees and payment

The cost of renewing your Texas driver's license depends on the length of validity you choose. An eight-year license costs $33 for drivers under 85. A five-year license costs $16.50 for all drivers. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Some DPS offices accept online payments before your visit, which can speed up the process. Check the DPS website or call your local office to see if this option is available in your area.

Special cases: military, commercial, and other license types

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Texas follow different renewal rules. A CDL is valid for five years, not eight. You must renew in person at a DPS office and pass a medical examination. If you hold a CDL, check your expiration date carefully because the renewal window is shorter than for a standard license.

If you are on active military duty, you may be able to extend your license renewal important date. Contact your local DPS office or the DPS website for information about military extensions. Some military personnel can renew by mail even if they are stationed outside Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?

No. You cannot legally drive once your license expires, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for the new card. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use to drive. If you renew by mail or online, you should plan to complete the process at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid a gap.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

You can still renew by mail or online if your license has not been expired for more than two years. You will need to report the loss to DPS and pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of citizenship and residency.

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

If you renew online or by mail, DPS uses your photo from your current license. You do not need a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than two years, in which case you must renew in person and a new photo will be taken at the office.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Outstanding traffic fines or court judgments can result in a license suspension, which may prevent renewal. If you believe your license is suspended, contact DPS or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the issue before attempting to renew.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address when you renew your license. If you renew online or by mail, you will enter your new address as part of the process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.