What happens to your license when you turn 18

When you turn 18 in Texas, your driver's license does not automatically renew or change. The license you received as a minor remains valid until its printed expiration date — which is typically your 18th birthday or shortly after, depending on when you first got it. At 18, you have the option to renew it as an adult license, which lasts longer and does not require parental consent.

The main difference between a minor's license and an adult license is the length of validity. A minor's license in Texas is valid for four years. An adult license is valid for eight years. If your current license expires on or around your 18th birthday, you will need to renew it. If it does not expire for several more years, you can wait until the expiration date shown on your card.

Key Takeaways

  • Your minor's license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even after you turn 18.
  • Adult licenses in Texas last eight years, compared to four years for minor licenses.
  • You can renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail, or online through the DPS website.
  • You will need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency to renew.
  • Renewing online or by mail costs less than renewing in person and does not require a new photo if your license is not yet five years old.

Renewing online or by mail costs less and takes longer

Texas offers three renewal routes, and the cheapest options take the most time. Online renewal through the DPS website costs $25 and takes five to seven business days. Mail renewal costs $16 and takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $27 and is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day.

Online and mail renewal are only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that require DPS review, and your license photo is less than five years old. If your photo is five years old or older, you must renew in person to provide a new one. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has already expired.

How to renew online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. The system will ask for your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether anything on your license needs to change. Review your information, pay the $25 fee with a debit or credit card, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

How to renew by mail

Request a renewal process by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visiting a DPS office in person. You can also read the process from the DPS website — look for form DL-44. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $16 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

Mail the process, your current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives it. Mail can add another week or more to delivery time. Your current license remains valid during this period. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.

How to renew in person at a DPS office

Locate your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the office's hours and whether it takes appointments before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

At the office, tell staff you want to renew your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. You will pay $27 and receive your new license when ready. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Documents you need for any renewal method

For all three renewal methods — online, mail, or in person — you need your current Texas driver's license. You also need proof of identity and proof of residency, though the requirements differ slightly by method.

For online renewal, you do not need to upload documents; the system verifies your identity using information from your license and Social Security number. For mail renewal, include a photocopy of your current license and proof of residency. For in-person renewal, bring the originals of your current license, one form of identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID), and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days).

What to do if your license has already expired

If your minor's license expired before you turned 18, or if you are now 18 and your license has expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

An expired license does not prevent you from renewing — DPS will still process your renewal the same way. However, you cannot legally drive until you have a valid license in hand. If you need to drive before your in-person appointment, ask a family member or friend to drive instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you know you will need a new license soon or if you want to take advantage of the longer eight-year validity of an adult license.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No, if your current photo is less than five years old. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If your photo is five years old or older, you must renew in person to provide a new one.

What if my address has changed since I got my license?

You can update your address during renewal using any method. Online renewal lets you enter a new address during the process. For mail renewal, write your new address on the process form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days).

How long is an adult license valid in Texas?

An adult driver's license in Texas is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your renewal notice will show the new expiration date. You can renew again anytime during the year before it expires.

What if I want to change my name on my license when I renew?

You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will update your name and issue a new license.