Texas driver licenses are valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you get one

A Texas driver license issued to someone 18 or older is good for eight years from the date it was issued. If you were under 18 when you got your license, it expires six years after the issue date. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner, so you can check it anytime without calling anyone.

Texas also issues Real ID-compliant driver licenses, which look the same and last just as long — eight years for adults, six years for minors. The only difference is that a Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base. Both types follow the same expiration schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult driver licenses (age 18 and up) expire eight years after the issue date; licenses issued to minors expire six years after issue.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your license up to two years before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office.
  • Renewing online or by mail costs less than renewing in person and takes about two weeks.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a new license.

How to renew before your license expires

You can start the renewal process up to two years before your expiration date. 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 and cheapest option if you meet the requirements — your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have changed your address or name since your last license was issued.

If you renew online, you pay the fee (currently $25 for an eight-year license), upload a new photo if needed, and receive your renewed license by mail in about two weeks. Renewing by mail follows a similar process but requires you to mail in a form and a check. Renewing in person at a DPS office takes about an hour and costs more, but you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if the expiration was recent. If you are pulled over, you can be cited and fined. However, the state gives you a grace period for renewal: you can renew your license up to two years after it expires without having to retake the written or driving test.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you lose the renewal option. You will have to explore for a new license, which means taking the written test, the driving test, and paying the full fee for a new license. This is why renewing before expiration or shortly after is much simpler than waiting.

Military members and people living overseas

If you are on active duty in the military, Texas allows you to extend your license expiration by up to eight years. You must be stationed outside Texas to use this extension. You can request the extension by mail or in person at a DPS office, and you will need to show proof of active duty status.

If you live outside Texas but still have a Texas license, you can renew by mail or online as long as you meet the online renewal requirements. You do not have to return to Texas in person to renew.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement without waiting for the expiration date. A replacement license costs less than a renewal and is valid until your original expiration date. You can request a replacement in person at a DPS office or by mail.

A replacement license keeps the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not getting extra time — you are just getting a new card with the same validity period. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement will also expire in two years.

Checking your expiration date and renewal status

The easiest way to find your expiration date is to look at the front of your license — it is in the bottom right corner. You can also check your license status on the Texas DPS website by entering your driver license number and date of birth. The website will show you your expiration date and whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.

If you are unsure whether you are within the two-year renewal window, the DPS website will tell you. You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about your specific license, though the website is faster if you have your license number handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired last month?

No. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even by one day. However, you can renew it anytime within two years of expiration without retaking tests, so the process is straightforward. Renew online or by mail to avoid a trip to the DPS office.

Do I have to renew in person?

No. You can renew online or by mail if you meet the requirements — no address or name change, no suspended license, and a valid Social Security number on file. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $25 for an eight-year license.

What if I was under 18 when I got my license and I'm now an adult?

Your license still expires six years after the original issue date, even though you are now an adult. When you renew, you will get an eight-year license. You do not automatically get upgraded to an adult license just by turning 18.

Can I renew my license if I moved to another state?

You can renew a Texas license by mail or online from another state, but you cannot renew online if you changed your address. If you moved, you will need to renew by mail or return to Texas in person. If you plan to stay in the new state long-term, you should get a license from that state instead.

What if my license has been expired for three years?

You cannot renew it. You will have to explore for a new license, which means taking the written test, the driving test, and paying the full fee. This is why it is important to renew within the two-year window after expiration.