Your license stays valid, but you can request a new one without the "under 21" restriction
When you turn 21 in Texas, your current driver's license does not automatically expire or change. The license you hold remains legal to use until its printed expiration date. However, Texas law allows you to request a replacement license that removes the "under 21" designation — the red bar or marking that appears on licenses issued to drivers under 21.
You are not required to get a new license on your 21st birthday. Many people keep their existing license until the normal renewal date. The choice to replace it early is yours, and there is no penalty for waiting. That said, some people prefer to get the updated version right away to avoid the "under 21" marking when presenting ID at bars, restaurants, or other age-restricted venues.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driver's license remains valid after you turn 21 and does not need to be replaced unless you choose to.
- You can request a replacement license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to remove the "under 21" restriction.
- A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is valid for the same period as your current license.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to request a replacement.
- Processing typically takes a few minutes in-office, and you can receive a temporary paper license when ready.
How to request a replacement license at a DPS office
Visit any Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License office in person. You cannot request this replacement online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current Texas address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number or a document that shows it.
Tell the DPS staff that you want to replace your license due to turning 21. They will take a new photo, update your license record to remove the "under 21" designation, and process the replacement. The fee is the same as a standard renewal — currently $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, though these amounts can change. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to your address on file.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. The expiration date on the new license will be the same as your current license — the replacement does not extend the validity period.
What documents you need to bring
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current ID | Your Texas driver's license | Required; must be valid or expired less than two years |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail | Must show your current address and be dated within 90 days |
| Social Security Number | Your SSN or a document showing it (Social Security card, W-2, tax return) | Required for identity verification |
If your address has changed since your current license was issued, bring proof of your new address. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
Timing and what to expect at the office
DPS offices typically process replacement licenses while you wait. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will take a new photo and answer a few questions to confirm your information. The staff will print a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days, so you can use it when ready if you need ID.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you have moved recently and updated your address with DPS, the license will go to your new address. If you have not updated your address yet, the license will go to your old address, and you will need to contact DPS to have it reissued to the correct location.
Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. You can check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.
If you want to update other information at the same time
While you are at the DPS office, you can also update your address, change your name, add or remove organ donor status, or update your emergency contact information. These changes do not cost extra if you are already replacing your license. If you only want to update your address or other information without replacing the license itself, you can do that separately, though it may still require an in-person visit depending on the change.
If you have moved out of state or plan to move soon, you may want to wait until after you move to get a replacement, since your Texas license will no longer be valid once you establish residency elsewhere. Check the requirements of your new state before you move.
What happens if you do not replace your license
You can continue to use your current license with the "under 21" marking for as long as it is valid. The marking does not affect your legal driving privileges or your age status once you turn 21 — it is straightforward a visual indicator on the card itself. Some businesses may look at the card and see the red bar, but your actual age is what matters legally.
Your license will eventually need to be renewed at its expiration date. At that time, you can request a standard renewal, and the new license will not have the "under 21" marking because you will be over 21 when you renew. If you wait until renewal, you will not need to make a separate trip to replace it early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS Driver License office to replace your license due to turning 21. You cannot do this online, by mail, or through any third-party service.
Do I have to replace my license when I turn 21?
No. Replacing your license is optional. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date. Many people wait until their regular renewal date to get a new license without the "under 21" marking.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement license costs the same as a renewal: currently $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Fees may change, so check the DPS website for current pricing before you visit.
Will my new license have a different expiration date?
No. Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your current license. Replacing it does not extend how long the license is valid — it only removes the "under 21" marking.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to DPS and request a duplicate or replacement. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number to a DPS office. The process is similar to a replacement, but you will need to declare the license lost or stolen.