What to do if your Oklahoma driver's license has expired
If your Oklahoma driver's license has expired, you can renew it in person at any Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's renewal portal. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update any information on your license.
Oklahoma allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires and up to five years after it expires. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which involves taking the written test and vision test again.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew an expired Oklahoma license in person at a DPS office, by mail if you haven't changed your address or name, or online through the Oklahoma DPS website.
- Renewal by mail costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two to three weeks, but you cannot use it if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but it is only available if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any address changes.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license and pass the written and vision tests at a DPS office.
- Bring your current expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency when renewing in person.
Renewing in person at an Oklahoma DPS office
In-person renewal is the most straightforward option and works for any expired license, regardless of how long ago it expired. Visit any Oklahoma Department of Public Safety office with your expired license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or military ID), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days).
The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days. The cost for a standard five-year renewal is $38.50. If you need to update your address, name, or other information on your license, you must renew in person — you cannot make these changes by mail or online.
DPS offices are located in most Oklahoma counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Oklahoma DPS website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.
Renewing by mail if your information hasn't changed
If your address and name are still the same as what appears on your expired license, you can renew by mail. This option costs $28.50 and takes about two to three weeks. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago.
To renew by mail, send your expired license, a completed renewal process (Form DL-44, which you can read from the Oklahoma DPS website), and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the DPS can return your new license to you.
Mail your renewal materials to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety at the address provided in the process instructions. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials, so plan accordingly if you need your license by a specific date.
Renewing online through the Oklahoma DPS portal
Oklahoma offers online renewal for drivers whose licenses expired within the last five years and who have not changed their address or name. Online renewal costs $38.50 and is the fastest option — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes.
Visit the Oklahoma DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your expired license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and process your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks.
Online renewal is not available if you need to update any personal information, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, you can call the Oklahoma DPS at 405-521-3221 to confirm before attempting to renew online.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your Oklahoma license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision test at a DPS office.
Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). You will take the written test on a computer at the DPS office. If you pass, you will take the vision test when ready after. If you pass both tests, you will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days.
The cost for a new license is $38.50. Study materials for the written test are available on the Oklahoma DPS website. Many people find it helpful to review the Oklahoma Driver's Manual before taking the test, even if they have held a license before.
Documents you need for any renewal method
The documents required depend on which renewal method you choose. For in-person renewal, bring your expired Oklahoma license, one form of valid identification (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
For mail renewal, send your expired license and a completed process form. For online renewal, you will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth — all entered into the online system.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued (for example, through marriage or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Driving with an expired license in Oklahoma
Driving with an expired Oklahoma license is against the law. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. However, if your license expired within the last 30 days and you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, some officers may issue a warning instead of a citation.
If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DPS office. The permit is valid for 30 days and costs $5. Bring your expired license and proof of identity to obtain one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you can obtain a temporary driving permit at a DPS office for $5. The permit is valid for 30 days.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the date the Oklahoma DPS receives your materials. Online renewal is faster — your new license will arrive within one to two weeks. In-person renewal may issue your license the same day or within a few days.
What if I moved to a different address since my license expired?
You must renew in person at a DPS office if you have changed your address. You cannot use mail or online renewal when your address has changed. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.
Do I have to take the written test again if my license expired a long time ago?
Yes, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must take both the written test and the vision test at a DPS office. You cannot renew by mail or online. Study materials are available on the Oklahoma DPS website.
What is the cost difference between renewal methods?
Mail renewal costs $28.50, while in-person and online renewal both cost $38.50. A temporary driving permit costs $5. If your license expired more than five years ago and you need to explore for a new license, the cost is $38.50.