How Texas Driver's License Requirements and Renewal Work

What Texas requires to get and keep a driver's license

Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the state has specific rules about who can hold one, how long it lasts, and what you must do to renew it. A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old, and five years if you are 85 or older. The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, though it does offer a learner's permit starting at age 14.

To get a license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. You must also provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you do not have one. Texas accepts a birth certificate, passport, or military ID as proof of identity. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.

If you already hold a valid license from another state, Texas may waive the written and driving tests, though you will still take the vision test and provide the same identity and residency documents. The fee for a standard six-year license is $33, or $16 for a renewal by mail if you meet certain conditions.

Key Takeaways

Texas driver's licenses last six years for people under 85 and five years for those 85 and older, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office.
To get a new license, you must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test, and show proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
If you hold a valid license from another state, Texas may waive the written and driving tests but will still require the vision test and identity documents.
Texas allows online renewal for people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have not changed their address, name, or other key information since their last renewal.
You must renew your license before it expires; driving on an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.

How to renew your Texas driver's license

You can renew your Texas license in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $16 for a six-year renewal. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal, and your license has not been expired for more than two years. You will need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Renewal by mail also costs $16 and takes about two weeks. You must complete an process form (DL-44), include a copy of your current license, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had a name change, or if you need to update your address.

In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $33 and is required if you have changed your address, name, or other information, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of any name changes (such as a marriage certificate). DPS offices are located in most Texas cities, and you can find the nearest one and check wait times on the DPS website.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired Texas license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be issued a citation and fined. The fine amount varies but is typically between $100 and $200. In addition, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you will have to take the written, vision, and driving tests again rather than straightforward renewing.

If you realize your license is about to expire, you can renew it up to one year before the expiration date. This means you do not have to wait until the last moment, and your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew it, not from the date your old one expired. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it has been expired.

Suspensions, revocations, and when you cannot drive

Texas suspends or revokes driver's licenses for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, driving under the influence, accumulating too many traffic violations, or failing to appear in court. A suspension is temporary and your license will be restored once you meet the requirements (such as paying fines or obtaining insurance). A revocation is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period.

You can check the status of your license on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail; you must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS office can tell you what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.

Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Texas. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties.

Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements

If you operate a commercial vehicle (such as a truck or bus), you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) instead of a standard license. Texas issues CDLs through the DPS, and the requirements are more stringent than for a regular license. You must pass a medical examination, a written test specific to the type of vehicle you will drive, and a driving test in that vehicle.

CDLs are valid for four years and must be renewed in person at a DPS office. The fee for a CDL is $97 for a four-year license. You may also need endorsements on your CDL if you transport hazardous materials, operate a school bus, or drive a vehicle with air brakes. Each endorsement requires an additional written test.

Identification cards and when you might not need a driver's license

If you do not drive, Texas issues a state ID card through the DPS that serves as proof of identity. A state ID card is valid for six years (five years if you are 85 or older) and costs $16 for a six-year card. The requirements are the same as for a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You can renew a state ID card online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a driver's license.

A state ID card cannot be used to drive, but it is accepted as identification for air travel, banking, and other purposes where a government-issued ID is required. If you have a driver's license, you do not need a separate state ID card.

Moving to Texas and transferring your out-of-state license

If you move to Texas and hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must obtain a Texas license within 30 days of establishing residency. You can transfer your license by visiting a DPS office with your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Depending on your age and the state where your license was issued, you may not have to take the written and driving tests, though you will take the vision test.

The fee for a transferred license is $33 for a six-year license. Your new Texas license will be valid for six years from the date you obtain it. If you do not transfer your license within 30 days, you are driving illegally in Texas, and you can be cited and fined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if I have changed my address?

No. Online renewal is only available if you have not changed your address, name, or other key information since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days.

What do I do if my Texas driver's license is suspended?

Check the DPS website to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid fines, failure to maintain insurance, or failure to pay child support. Once you meet the requirements, you can request reinstatement through the DPS. You cannot drive legally until your license is restored.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license if I am new to the state?

If you pass all tests on your first visit to a DPS office, you will receive a temporary license that day and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. If you do not pass a test, you must schedule another appointment and retake it. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day.

Do I need to take a driving test again if my Texas license has been expired for more than two years?

Yes. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written test, vision test, and driving test as if you were getting a license for the first time. You cannot straightforward renew; you must reapply.

What is the difference between a license suspension and a revocation in Texas?

A suspension is temporary and your license will be restored once you meet the requirements set by the DPS or the court. A revocation is permanent or long-term and typically requires you to wait a specified period and then reapply for a license. Revocations are usually issued for serious violations such as multiple DUIs or habitual traffic offender status.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.