Texas driver's licenses expire, and the date depends on your age and license type

Yes, Texas driver's licenses expire. The state sets different expiration dates based on how old you are when you get your license. A standard driver's license issued to someone under 85 years old is valid for six years from the date of issue. If you're 85 or older, your license expires after two years. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) follow federal rules and expire after five years.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. It shows the exact month and year your license becomes invalid. You can also check your expiration date online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you're only a day past the expiration date. You can be stopped by law enforcement and cited. The penalty is typically a traffic ticket, though the fine amount varies by county.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses expire six years after issue for drivers under 85, and two years after issue for drivers 85 and older.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
  • You can check your expiration date online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office.
  • Texas allows you to renew your license up to two years before it expires, so you can plan ahead and avoid driving on an expired license.
  • Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation that can result in a ticket and fine.

How to find your expiration date

The expiration date on your Texas driver's license is located on the front of the card in the bottom right corner. It appears as a month and year — for example, "12/2029" means your license expires in December 2029. The format is always MM/YYYY.

If you don't have your physical license with you or need to check before renewing, you can look up your expiration date online. Visit the Texas DPS website and use their license status tool. You'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. This tool also shows other information about your license, such as whether it's valid or suspended.

You can also call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about your expiration date, though the online tool is faster and available 24 hours a day.

When to renew before your license expires

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license up to two years before the expiration date. This means if your license expires in December 2029, you can renew it starting in December 2027. Renewing early gives you time to complete the process without rushing or accidentally driving on an expired license.

Many people renew their license in the months leading up to expiration rather than waiting until the last day. This is a practical approach because the Texas DPS offices can have wait times, especially near the end of the month or year. If you renew early, you'll receive your new license before the old one expires, and you can start using it when ready.

If you miss your expiration date and your license becomes expired, you cannot legally drive. You'll need to renew it before getting behind the wheel again. The renewal process is the same whether you're renewing early or after expiration, but driving on an expired license carries legal risk.

Renewing your Texas driver's license

To renew your Texas driver's license, you have two main options: renew in person at a Texas DPS office or renew by mail if you meet certain requirements.

In-person renewal requires you to visit a local DPS office with your current license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You'll have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee. The fee for a standard six-year license is $45. You'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal by mail is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and you're not changing your name or address. To renew by mail, you'll need to request an process from the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6556. You'll complete the form, include payment, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 15 to 20 business days.

Some Texans can also renew online through the Texas DPS website if they meet specific requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid Texas ID or passport on file, and you cannot be changing your address. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $45.

What happens if you drive on an expired license

Driving with an expired Texas driver's license is a traffic violation. If you're stopped by a police officer, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies by county and the circumstances of the stop, but it's typically between $100 and $200. You may also face court costs on top of the fine.

An expired license citation is usually considered a minor traffic offense, but it still goes on your driving record. This can affect your insurance rates or your ability to obtain certain jobs that require a clean driving record. If you're involved in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

If you realize your license has expired, stop driving when ready and renew it before you get back on the road. The renewal process is straightforward and takes only a few days if you renew online or in person.

Special rules for drivers 85 and older

Texas has different expiration rules for drivers who are 85 years old or older. Instead of a six-year license, drivers in this age group receive a license that expires after two years. This means you'll need to renew more frequently than younger drivers.

The renewal process is the same — you can renew in person, by mail, or online if you meet the requirements. However, you may need to provide additional medical documentation or pass a vision test as part of the renewal, depending on your circumstances. The Texas DPS may request a medical report from your doctor if there are concerns about your ability to drive safely.

The renewal fee for a two-year license is $20, which is lower than the fee for a six-year license because you're paying for a shorter period of validity.

Commercial driver's licenses and expiration

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas, your license expires after five years, not six. CDLs are regulated by federal law, which sets the five-year expiration period for all states. The expiration date is still printed on the front of your license in the same location as a standard license.

CDL renewal requires an in-person visit to a Texas DPS office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and any required medical certification documents. The renewal fee for a CDL is $97 for five years.

Commercial drivers should mark their expiration date on a calendar well in advance because CDL renewals can take longer than standard license renewals, especially during busy times of year. Driving a commercial vehicle on an expired CDL is a federal violation and carries more serious penalties than driving a personal vehicle on an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license. The renewal process is the same whether your license is expired or about to expire. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes in the mail, you may want to renew in person at a DPS office so you can use your old license until the new one is ready.

How long does it take to get a renewed Texas driver's license?

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal typically takes 5 to 7 business days. Renewal by mail takes 15 to 20 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your current license hasn't expired yet.

What documents do I need to renew my Texas driver's license in person?

You'll need your current driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address. If you're changing your address, bring documents that show both your old and new addresses. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee.

Is there a grace period after my Texas license expires?

No, there is no grace period in Texas. Your license is invalid the moment it expires. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if it expired just hours before. You should renew before your expiration date to avoid this situation.

Can I check my license expiration date without going to a DPS office?

Yes. You can check your expiration date online through the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Both options are available without visiting an office in person.