You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires, or any time after it has expired

Texas gives you a wide window to renew. You can start the process 12 months before your expiration date, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — there is no grace period that lets you drive on an expired license, but the renewal process itself remains open to you.

The exact renewal date printed on your license depends on your birth month and when you last renewed. Texas staggers renewals by age group to spread the workload across the year, so your window opens and closes on a schedule unique to you. Your license itself shows the expiration date; that is your important date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew starting 12 months before your expiration date, giving you a full year to complete the process.
  • Your license shows your exact expiration date — that is the important date Texas uses, not your birth date.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the method you choose affects how long the process takes.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail; in-person renewal at a DPS office lets you leave with a temporary paper license the same day.
  • Renewing before expiration avoids the risk of driving on an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation.

How to find your exact renewal window

Your Texas driver's license lists an expiration date in the bottom right corner. That date is the last day you can renew without your license being expired. Count back 12 months from that date, and that is the first day you can renew.

For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew starting March 15, 2024. You do not need to calculate anything yourself — the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website shows your renewal may be able to access when you log into your account, and any DPS office can tell you over the phone.

Renewing online before expiration

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is still valid. You can renew online if you meet three conditions: your license is not expired, you have a valid Texas address on file, and your license was not suspended or revoked. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a five-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.

After you complete the online renewal, your new license is mailed to your address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait — it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you have not had a name change since your last renewal. You request a renewal form from the Texas DPS, complete it, and mail it back with a check or money order. The form itself takes a few minutes to fill out, but the entire process — including mail time both directions — typically takes two to three weeks.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $16 for five years or $32 for eight years. Like online renewal, your new license arrives by mail and your old license remains valid to drive on until it expires.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

In-person renewal at a Texas DPS office is the only method that produces an when ready result. You bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment. The office processes your renewal on the spot and issues you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The cost is the same as online or mail renewal. This method is useful if you need to renew quickly or if you cannot renew online because your license is expired or your address has changed.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your expiration date passes and you have not yet renewed, your license is expired. You cannot legally drive on an expired license — doing so can result in a traffic citation. However, you can still renew an expired license using any of the three methods above.

If you renew online or by mail after expiration, the process is the same as before expiration, and your new license is mailed to you. If you renew in person, you still receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. The cost remains $16 or $32 depending on the term you choose.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If your name or address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and payment.

In-person renewal with a name or address change takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal and costs the same amount. The DPS updates your records during the appointment and issues your temporary paper license before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes. There is no time limit on how long after expiration you can renew. However, you cannot drive legally on an expired license, so renewing as soon as possible is important. You will need to renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than a year, because online and mail renewal require a valid license.

What if I renew online but then move before my new license arrives?

Contact the Texas DPS and provide your new address before your new license ships. If your new license has already been mailed to your old address, you can request a replacement be sent to your new address. The DPS can update your address in their system while your renewal is in progress.

Do I have to renew in person if my license was suspended?

Yes. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license was suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will help you understand the suspension and what steps are needed before you can renew.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid after I renew?

A renewed license is valid for either five years or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. The cost is $16 for five years or $32 for eight years. Your new license shows the new expiration date.