What to do if your Texas driver license has expired
If your Texas driver license has expired, you can renew it through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person, by mail, or online — depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days if you mail them in, or you can walk out the same day at a DPS office. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years, or unless DPS requests it.
The process differs slightly based on whether you are renewing before or after your license expires, and whether you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard one. Texas also allows some people to renew online without visiting an office at all.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your expired Texas license by mail, online, or in person at any DPS office, and the method you choose depends on how long it has been expired.
- If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you do not need to retake any tests; if it expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the vision and written exams again.
- Online renewal is the fastest option for some people but only works if your license is not more than two years expired and you do not need to change your address or photo.
- Mailing in your renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than renewing in person, but you will not have a valid license during that time.
- Visiting a DPS office in person takes longer (plan for a wait) but you can leave with a temporary paper license the same day.
Renewing online if your license is not too far expired
The Texas DPS online renewal system is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you do not need to change your address, you do not need a new photo, and your license was not suspended or revoked. You will need your driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will upload a photo (or use the one on file), pay the renewal fee, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print your confirmation page and carry it as proof of renewal, though it is not a legal driving permit.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it means one of the restrictions applies — most commonly that your license has been expired more than two years, or that you need to update your address. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by mail with a paper process
Mailing in your renewal is cheaper than renewing in person and works for most people, but you will not have a valid license while you wait. You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you do not need to change your address or get a new photo.
read the DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current driver license (front and back), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives it. You can track your process status on the Texas DPS website using your driver license number. If DPS needs more information, they will contact you by mail.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
Visiting a DPS office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago, because you will need to retake the vision and written tests. It is also the right choice if you need to change your address, get a new photo, or if you want to leave with a valid license the same day instead of waiting for mail delivery.
Bring your expired driver license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you do not have proof of address, you can bring two documents that show your name and current address together, such as a credit card statement and a phone bill.
Go to any DPS office during business hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online check-in system — check the Texas DPS website for your local office. You will wait your turn, have your photo taken, pass the vision test, and pay the renewal fee. If your license has been expired more than two years, you will also take the written exam on a computer. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license expired more than two years ago
If your Texas driver license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to retake the vision test and the written exam, and you will need to provide the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
You must explore in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The process is the same as a regular renewal visit, except you will take both the vision and written tests. Plan for a longer wait because the exam takes additional time. You will leave with a temporary paper license and receive your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Texas driver license renewal fees vary based on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a Real ID-compliant renewal. If you renew in person, you may pay an additional fee for the office visit. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Texas DPS website for current amounts before you mail in your process or visit an office.
The fee covers the license itself and processing. It does not cover any additional documents you may need to provide, such as certified copies of your birth certificate or proof of legal residency. If you are renewing by mail and your process is incomplete, DPS will contact you and may ask you to visit an office in person to finish the process — which means you will pay an additional in-person fee.
Driving with an expired license while you renew
Driving with an expired Texas driver license is illegal, even if you have applied for renewal and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person), but these are not valid driving permits — they are proof that you have started the renewal process.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your safest option is to renew in person at a DPS office and leave with a temporary paper license the same day. If you renewed by mail or online and cannot wait, you can visit a DPS office and request an expedited replacement, though this costs extra and is not may provide to speed up delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?
No. Texas law does not allow a grace period — your license must be valid on the date you drive. If you are pulled over with an expired license, you can be cited even if it expired very recently. Start your renewal when ready if you know your license is about to expire.
How long does it take to get a new license if I renew in person?
You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the DPS office, valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is your valid permit during that window.
What if I lost my expired license and do not have it to renew?
You can still renew without the physical license. Bring your other documents (proof of Social Security number and current address) to a DPS office, and staff will look up your license record in their system. You will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Do I have to renew in the county where I live?
No. You can renew at any DPS office in Texas, regardless of which county issued your original license or where you currently live. If you have moved to a different county, you can renew at your new local office and update your address at the same time.
What if DPS says I owe a traffic fine before they will renew my license?
Texas DPS can hold your renewal if you have an outstanding traffic debt or if your license was suspended for unpaid fines. You will need to resolve the debt or suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the fine or the DPS directly to find out what you owe and how to pay it.