Texas driver's licenses are valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you get one

A Texas driver's license issued to someone under 85 years old is valid for six years from the date it is issued. If you are 85 or older when you get your license, it is valid for five years instead. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

Your license does not automatically renew. You must go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and renew it before the expiration date, or you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses expire six years from the issue date for people under 85, and five years for people 85 and older.
  • The expiration date appears on the front of your license card in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your license up to two years before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • Renewing in person at a DPS office takes about 30 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • You cannot renew by mail or online in Texas; you must appear in person with required documents.

When to renew before your license expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to two years before the expiration date printed on your card. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2026, you can walk into a DPS office on March 15, 2024, and renew it then. Many people renew early to avoid the rush closer to their expiration date.

If you wait until after your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you are driving illegally in the meantime. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. It is safer and simpler to renew before the date on your card passes.

What you need to bring to renew in person

Texas requires you to show up at a DPS office with specific documents. You will need a form of identification that proves who you are — a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card all work. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

Bring proof of your current Texas address as well. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days will work. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, renewing a standard six-year license costs $50 if you renew in person. Fees can change, so check the DPS website or call your local office before you go to confirm the current amount.

How long the renewal process takes at the office

Once you are at a DPS office with your documents, the renewal itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. This includes waiting in line, having your photo taken, and paying the fee. The time varies depending on how busy the office is and what time of day you arrive.

You will receive your new license on the spot. It is printed at the office while you wait, so you can drive home with it that same day. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it at a DPS office. You must first clear the suspension or revocation through the court or the agency that imposed it. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other conditions set by the court.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license normally. Contact the DPS or the court that suspended your license to find out what steps you need to take first.

Special cases: Commercial and motorcycle endorsements

If your license includes a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement, the renewal process is the same, but you may need to pass additional tests. A CDL renewal requires a medical exam and a written test. A motorcycle endorsement renewal may require a riding skills test, depending on your age and how long you have held the endorsement.

Check with your local DPS office about whether you need to take a test before you renew. Some offices will tell you over the phone; others ask you to come in and find out when you arrive.

Finding your local DPS office and checking wait times

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times change throughout the day and by season. Many DPS offices now show estimated wait times online, so you can check before you go.

Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends. If you have a choice, arriving early in the week — Monday through Wednesday — often means a shorter wait than Thursday or Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to renew your driver's license in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew by mail or through the DPS website. You must bring your documents and have a new photo taken.

What happens if I drive after my license expires?

Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which can result in a fine. It is also a problem if you are in an accident, because your insurance may not cover the claim if your license was expired at the time.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a DPS office?

Some DPS offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check the DPS website or call your local office to find out their policy. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

No. You must renew your Texas license in person at a Texas DPS office. If you have moved out of state, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You cannot renew a Texas license remotely.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen license is replaced, not renewed. You will need to go to a DPS office and report it. The replacement process is similar to renewal — you bring your documents and pay a fee — but you will get a new license number and a new card.