Texas driver's licenses are valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you renew

A standard Texas driver's license is good for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas or any other state — you will need to renew it before getting behind the wheel again.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. Texas does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking when yours expires. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses expire six years from the date of issue for people under 85, and two years from the date of issue for people 85 and older.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner, and you should check it regularly since Texas does not mail renewal notices.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
  • Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if you were not speeding or breaking any other traffic law.

How to find your expiration date

Open your wallet and look at the front of your license. In the bottom right corner, you will see a date labeled "Exp" or "Expires." This is the last day your license is valid. The format is typically MM/DD/YYYY — for example, 03/15/2028 means your license expires on March 15, 2028.

If you cannot locate your physical license or the print is too faded to read, you can check your expiration date online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. This is a free lookup and takes less than a minute.

When you can renew and what it costs

You can renew your license starting one year before the expiration date. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2028, you can renew it anytime after March 15, 2027. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license will be valid for another six years (or two years if you are 85 or older) from the date you renew.

The renewal fee in Texas is $25 for a six-year license if you are under 85. If you are 85 or older, the fee is $10 for a two-year license. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the DPS website to confirm the current fee before you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Three ways to renew your Texas license

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not had more than one address change since your last renewal, and you have not had any name changes. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You pay the $25 fee by credit or debit card.

By mail renewal works if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You will need to read and print the renewal form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your process.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you have had a name change, multiple address changes, or if your license has already expired. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day — some offices accept appointments online, which can reduce your wait. The fee is paid at the office, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas. If a police officer stops you and your license has expired, you can receive a traffic citation even if you were not speeding or breaking any other traffic law. The citation can result in a fine and a mark on your driving record.

If you are caught driving on an expired license more than once within a certain period, the penalties increase. Additionally, if you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance company may refuse to cover the damage, leaving you personally liable for repair costs and medical bills.

Special cases: Commercial licenses and ID cards

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal rules are different. CDLs are valid for four years, not six. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a written test and a skills test (driving test) to renew.

If you have a Texas ID card instead of a driver's license, the validity period is the same: six years for people under 85, and two years for people 85 and older. The renewal process and fees are also the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?

No. Your license must be valid on the day you drive. An expired license is not a valid license, even by one day. If you are stopped, you can be cited. If your license expired recently, renew it when ready — online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.

What if I renew online but my license arrives after my current one expires?

You should renew early enough that your new license arrives before your current one expires. Online renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you are cutting it close, renew at least two weeks before your expiration date. If your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website to carry with you until the permanent one arrives.

Do I have to renew in person if I have moved to a new address?

Not necessarily. If you have had only one address change since your last renewal, you can renew online or by mail. If you have had more than one address change, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license — you must replace it. Replacement requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $25, the same as renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

If you are a Texas resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other conditions (no name changes, no more than one address change). If you have moved permanently out of Texas, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead.