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 18 or older is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you were under 18 when you received your license, it expires six years after issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner — it reads "Expires" followed by the month and year.

Your license does not automatically renew. You must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to renew it before the expiration date passes. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you only expired yesterday.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's licenses issued to adults are valid for eight years; licenses issued to minors are valid for six years.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your license up to two years before it expires, which gives you time to plan ahead.
  • Renewing before expiration takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a DPS office, though wait times vary by location.
  • If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fines.

When your license expires if you were an adult at issue

If you were 18 or older when you received your Texas driver's license, your license is valid for eight years. This applies whether you got your license at 18, 35, or 65. The eight-year term starts on the date the DPS issued the license, not on your birthday.

For example, if you received your license on March 15, 2017, it expired on March 15, 2025. The expiration date does not shift based on when you renew — it is always eight years from the original issue date.

When your license expires if you were under 18 at issue

If you were under 18 when you received your Texas driver's license, your license is valid for six years from the date of issue. Once you turn 18, your license does not automatically extend to the eight-year term — it still expires at the six-year mark.

If your six-year license is about to expire and you are now 18 or older, you will receive a new eight-year license when you renew. This means your next license will last longer than your current one.

How to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your driver's license in the bottom right corner. You will see the word "Expires" followed by a date in MM/DD/YYYY format. That is your expiration date. If you cannot read it clearly, you can also log into your account on the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office to confirm.

Some people confuse their license expiration date with their birthday or their vehicle registration renewal date. Your driver's license expiration is separate from both. Check your license itself to be certain.

When to renew before your license expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to two years before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 30, 2026, you can renew it starting on June 30, 2024. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for eight years (or six years if you were under 18 at issue).

Many people renew several months before expiration to avoid the rush near the important date. This is a practical choice because DPS offices can have long wait times, especially in urban areas. Renewing early gives you flexibility if you need to schedule an appointment or if your local office has limited hours.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. You can still renew your license after it expires — the DPS does not permanently revoke it — but you may face additional requirements or fines depending on how long it has been expired.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and driving test, not just renew. Contact your local DPS office to find out what you will need to bring if your license has been expired for an extended period.

Renewing your license at a DPS office

To renew your license, visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.

The renewal process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?

You cannot renew a standard driver's license online in Texas. You must visit a DPS office in person. However, you can renew a commercial driver's license (CDL) online if you meet certain conditions — check the Texas DPS website for CDL renewal rules.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If you lost your license, you need to replace it, not renew it. Replacement is a different process that requires a police report or affidavit of loss. Visit a DPS office with your proof of identity and residency to replace it. Your replacement license will have a new expiration date based on when it is issued.

Does my license expiration date change if I move to another state?

No. Your Texas license expiration date does not change if you move. However, once you establish residency in another state, you are required to get a driver's license from that state. You cannot legally drive in another state on an expired Texas license.

What if my license expires while I am out of the country?

Your license is still expired, even if you are not in Texas. If you return to Texas and your license has expired, you cannot legally drive. Renew it as soon as you return by visiting a DPS office with your documents.

Can I get a longer-lasting license if I renew early?

No. Whether you renew two years early or one day before expiration, your new license will be valid for the same length of time — eight years if you are 18 or older, six years if you are under 18. Renewing early does not extend the validity period.