How Often You Need to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Texas driver's licenses expire every 8 years, but the exact renewal date depends on your age and when you got your current license

Your Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it was issued. That means if you received your license on March 15, 2020, it will expire on March 15, 2028. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can renew anytime in the 2 years before your license expires.

The one exception is if you are between 79 and 85 years old. Texas requires you to renew every 4 years instead of 8 if you fall into that age range. Once you turn 86, you can go back to the standard 8-year renewal cycle.

If you let your license expire, you can still renew it for up to 2 years after the expiration date without taking a new written test or vision test. After 2 years, you will need to pass the written exam and vision screening again, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.

Key Takeaways

Standard Texas driver's licenses are valid for 8 years from the issue date, and DPS will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
If you are between 79 and 85 years old, you must renew every 4 years instead of 8.
You can renew your license anytime during the 2 years before it expires, or up to 2 years after it expires without retaking the written and vision tests.
After your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will need to pass the written exam and vision screening again to renew.

When your renewal notice arrives in the mail

Texas DPS mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your expiration date, instructions for renewing online or by mail, and a fee amount. Check the notice carefully to make sure the address and personal information are correct — if anything is wrong, you will need to correct it during the renewal process.

If you do not receive a notice, that does not mean you do not need to renew. You are responsible for knowing your expiration date. You can find it on the front of your current license, or you can check the DPS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Renewing online versus by mail

Texas allows you to renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired yet and you meet certain conditions. You cannot renew online if you are changing your address, if your vision has changed significantly, if you need to update your name, or if you are in the 79–85 age group (those drivers must renew in person). Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing by mail.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, the renewal notice, and the fee to the address listed on the notice. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.

You can also renew in person at any DPS office. In-person renewal is the fastest option if you need your new license quickly, though you may have to wait in line. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have a renewal notice in the mail. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, you have a grace period to renew: you can renew your license for up to 2 years after the expiration date without retaking any tests.

During that 2-year window, the renewal process is the same as renewing before expiration — you do not need to take the written exam or vision test. After 2 years have passed since expiration, you will have to go through the full process again, including passing the written test and vision screening.

Renewal fees and what to bring

The renewal fee for a standard 8-year Texas driver's license is $33. If you are renewing in person and need to update your address or other information, bring proof of residency such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For online renewal, you will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. For mail renewal, include your current license with your payment and send everything to the address on your renewal notice. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency if you are changing your address, and payment.

Keeping track of your expiration date

The easiest way to remember when to renew is to mark your expiration date on a calendar when you receive your license. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. You can also set a phone reminder for 60 days before that date, which gives you time to renew before the important date without rushing.

If you are unsure of your expiration date, you can look it up on the DPS website or call the DPS Customer Service line. Having your license number and date of birth ready will speed up the process.

Special situations: military, commercial, and other license types

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal timeline is different. CDLs must be renewed every 4 years, not 8. If you are on active military duty outside Texas, you may be able to renew by mail or online even if you would normally need to renew in person.

If you have a Real ID compliant license — the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner — the renewal process is the same 8-year cycle. However, if you are renewing a non-Real ID license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you will need to renew in person and bring additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime during the 2 years before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the important date.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to get a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement is different from a renewal and requires you to go to a DPS office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity and residency. The replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license.

Do I have to renew in person if I am over 79?

Yes. Drivers between 79 and 85 must renew in person every 4 years. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment to any DPS office. Once you turn 86, you can renew online or by mail again.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew by mail, expect 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. Online renewal is faster — your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the quickest; you can receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I drive if my license is expired but I have sent in my renewal?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you have already submitted your renewal. However, you have up to 2 years after expiration to renew without retaking tests. If you are pulled over, bring proof that you have submitted your renewal, though this does not may provide you will not be cited.

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.