Yes, you can renew after expiration, but the process changes depending on how long it has been expired

You can renew your Texas driver's license after it expires, but Texas has different rules depending on whether your license expired recently or years ago. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a driver's license office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go in person to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and bring original documents to prove your identity and residency.

The reason for this split is that Texas treats very old licenses as needing fresh verification — they want to confirm you are still the same person at the same address. A recently expired license is treated as a straightforward renewal. Understanding which category you fall into determines your next step.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired fewer than two years ago can be renewed online at txdps.texas.gov or by mail without visiting an office.
  • Licenses expired more than two years ago require an in-person visit to a DPS office with original identity and residency documents.
  • Online renewal takes about one week from submission; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current mailing address, and a valid email address to renew online.
  • If you cannot remember your license number, you can look it up on the Texas DPS website before starting renewal.

Renewing online if your license expired within the last two years

The fastest way to renew a recently expired Texas license is through the Texas DPS website at txdps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Renew Online." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address. The system will ask you to create or log into a Texas Online Services account if you do not already have one.

The online form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You will answer questions about your current address, whether your vision has changed, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. At the end, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Texas charges $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Once you submit, you should receive a confirmation email within one business day, and your new license will arrive by mail in about one week.

Online renewal works only if your address has not changed since your license expired. If you moved, you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within the last two years

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal to the Texas DPS. read the DL-44 form from txdps.texas.gov or request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Fill out the form completely, including your current address, and sign it. Mail the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the DPS website for your area's mailing address.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. Include a return envelope with postage if you want the DPS to mail back any documents you send. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.

Renewing in person if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a Texas DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. The DPS will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is the same as online renewal — $33 for four years or $66 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

To find your nearest DPS office and check hours, visit txdps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Calling ahead is worth the time — wait times vary widely by location and time of day.

What to do if you cannot find your license number

Your driver's license number appears on the front of your license, but if you cannot locate it, the Texas DPS website has a tool to look it up. Go to txdps.texas.gov, select "Driver License," and choose "Look Up Your Driver License Number." You will need your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will display your license number, which you can then use to start your renewal.

If the lookup tool does not find your number, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and provide the same information. A representative can give you your license number over the phone.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license in Texas is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. Even if your renewal is in process, your license is not valid until you receive the new one in the mail.

If you are waiting for your renewed license to arrive and need to drive, carry proof that you have submitted your renewal — such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your form. This does not make an expired license legal, but it shows an officer that you have taken action.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my license expired more or fewer than two years ago?

Look at the expiration date on your license. Count forward from that date to today. If fewer than 24 months have passed, you can renew online or by mail. If more than 24 months have passed, you must go in person to a DPS office.

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

If you moved and your license expired fewer than two years ago, you must renew by mail or in person — online renewal does not work for address changes. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must go in person anyway, so bring proof of your new address.

What if my name changed since my license expired?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. You will also need your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?

Some Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the office locator on txdps.texas.gov or call ahead to confirm. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait, especially at busy locations.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either online, by mail, or in person. If you renew by mail or in person, you must sign the form or process yourself. No one can do it on your behalf.