Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew starting 60 days before that date

Your Texas driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. Once that date passes, the license is no longer valid for driving or as a form of identification. Texas allows you to renew your license up to 60 days before it expires, which gives you a window to handle the renewal without your license becoming invalid.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it. Texas does not impose a hard important date after which renewal becomes impossible — you can renew an expired license at any time. However, driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if your renewal is in process. The penalty for driving on an expired license is a traffic violation that can result in a fine.

The renewal process depends on whether you renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or online through the state's website. Not all licenses are may be able to access for online renewal; the state restricts online renewal to certain situations, such as when your license is not expiring due to a medical condition or when you have not had multiple address changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew starting 60 days before that date to avoid driving with an expired license.
  • Driving with an expired Texas license is a traffic violation; you should renew before the expiration date or stop driving until your renewal is complete.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available for many drivers but not all; check the DPS website to see if your license qualifies.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to pass the written and vision tests again rather than straightforward renewing.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

The Texas Department of Public Safety allows online renewal for many drivers. You can start the process at the DPS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is may be able to access for online renewal.

Online renewal costs $16 and takes about 10 minutes to complete. You will need to provide your current mailing address and confirm your Social Security number. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office. Once you submit your renewal, the DPS mails your new license to your address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expiring because of a medical condition, if you have changed your address more than once since your last renewal, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

To renew your license at a Texas DPS office, you need to bring three documents: your current driver's license (or expired license if your current one is not available), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The renewal process at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. The cost is $16 for a standard five-year renewal.

After you complete your renewal at the office, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

What happens if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats the renewal differently. Instead of a straightforward renewal, you must pass the written test and the vision test again. You do not need to take the driving test, but you do need to demonstrate that you still know the rules of the road and can see well enough to drive safely.

You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the DPS website. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The vision test checks your ability to see clearly and identify colors. Both tests are administered at the DPS office when you come in to renew.

If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no additional fee for retaking the test. Once you pass both tests, your renewal proceeds as normal, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Driving with an expired license in Texas

Driving with an expired Texas driver's license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically between $100 and $200, depending on the circumstances and the officer's discretion. A citation for an expired license also appears on your driving record.

If your license expired while you were renewing it — for example, you submitted your online renewal process before the expiration date but the new license had not yet arrived — you should carry proof of your renewal process with you. Print a confirmation email or receipt from your online renewal, or bring your temporary paper license if you renewed in person. This documentation may help if you are stopped, though it does not may provide you will not be cited.

If you know your license is expired, do not drive. Wait until your new license arrives or until you have completed your renewal at a DPS office and received your temporary paper license. The risk of a fine and a mark on your driving record is not worth the convenience of driving before your renewal is complete.

Renewing your license by mail

Texas does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online through the DPS website or in person at a DPS office. There is no paper form you can fill out and mail to the state.

If you are unable to visit a DPS office in person and your license is not may be able to access for online renewal, you have limited options. Some DPS offices offer mobile services in certain areas; you can check the DPS website to see if a mobile unit serves your county. If neither online renewal nor a mobile unit is available to you, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

Finding a DPS office and checking wait times

Texas has DPS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest to you by entering your city or zip code on the DPS website. The website lists the office address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have extended hours or weekend service.

Many DPS offices allow you to check current wait times online before you visit. This information is updated throughout the day and can help you choose the best time to go. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays. If you want to avoid the wait entirely, you can schedule an appointment online at most locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday but I have already started the renewal process?

No. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving, even if your renewal is in progress. If you renewed online, you can drive using your temporary paper license once you receive it in the mail or print a confirmation. If you renewed in person, you can drive using the temporary paper license the office gives you when ready after your renewal.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it to renew?

You can still renew without your physical license. Bring two forms of identification instead, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card, along with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS office can look up your license information in their system using your name and date of birth.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

A standard five-year renewal costs $16, whether you renew online or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago and you need to retake the written and vision tests, there is no additional fee beyond the $16 renewal cost.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, if you have an active suspension on your license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. You can check your license status on the DPS website.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew online, you enter your current address on the form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and the office will update your address. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.