How to find your Texas driver's license expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. It appears as a date in MM/DD/YYYY format next to "Expires." If today's date is after that date, your license is expired.

You can also check the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS Driver License Check page and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show you your current license status and expiration date.

If you cannot locate your physical license or prefer not to use the online tool, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 during business hours. A representative can confirm your expiration date over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  • The Texas DPS website lets you check your license status online using your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • An expired license cannot legally be used to drive, vote, or board domestic flights.
  • Texas allows you to renew your license up to two years before it expires or up to two years after it expires.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine for driving with an expired license typically ranges from $100 to $200, though the exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.

An expired license also cannot be used for other purposes that require a valid ID. You will not be able to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or use it as proof of identity for age-restricted purchases. Some employers and financial institutions may also refuse to accept an expired license as valid identification.

When you can renew your Texas license

Texas allows you to renew your license before it expires or after it has expired. You can renew up to two years before your expiration date and up to two years after it expires. This means if your license expired on January 15, 2024, you could have renewed it starting January 15, 2022, and you can still renew it until January 15, 2026.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This requires taking the written test and the driving test again.

How to renew your expired Texas license

You have three main options to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Online renewal is available if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you meet other requirements. You can renew at the DPS website using your license number and date of birth. The fee is $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

By mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed DL-44 form (available on the DPS website), and payment to the DPS address listed on their website. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days. This option works only if your license expired within the past two years.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is always an option. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. Processing is usually when ready, though wait times at offices vary. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website.

Documents you need to renew

For any renewal method, you will need to provide proof of your identity and residency. Acceptable forms of identity include your current Texas driver's license, passport, or military ID. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address.

If you are renewing online, you will not need to submit physical documents — the system verifies your information against state records. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring originals or certified copies of your documents.

Fees for renewing your expired license

The cost depends on how long you renew for. A one-year renewal costs $16. A five-year renewal costs $48. A six-year renewal (available only to drivers age 85 and older) costs $48. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you are renewing in person and need a replacement license (because your current one is lost or damaged), there is an additional $11 fee for the replacement.

What to do while waiting for your new license

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license is in the mail but not yet in your hands. During this time, you cannot legally drive. You should not drive until your new license arrives.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can visit a DPS office in person to renew instead. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you will receive your new license the same day. This is the fastest option if you need to drive right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?

No. Your license is expired as soon as the date passes. Driving with an expired license is illegal, even if it expired only one day ago. You should renew your license before driving again.

What if I lost my expired license and need to renew it?

You can still renew online or by mail if your license expired within the past two years. You will not need to provide the physical license itself. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office and bring proof of identity and residency.

How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?

Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal at a DPS office is processed the same day. If you need your license urgently, renewing in person is your fastest option.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires visiting a DPS office in person, providing proof of identity and residency, and passing both the written and driving tests.

Is there a grace period after my license expires?

Texas does not have a grace period. Your license is expired on the date shown on it, and you cannot legally drive after that date. However, you can renew up to two years after expiration, so you have a two-year window to renew without having to retake the tests.