What happens when your Texas driver license expires

Once your Texas driver license expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas or use it as a form of identification. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) stops recognizing it the moment the expiration date passes. If you are pulled over while driving an expired license, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine and may result in points on your driving record.

An expired license also will not work for age verification at bars, banks, or other places that require a current ID. However, you do not lose your driving privileges permanently — you straightforward need to renew before you can drive legally again. The renewal process depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you want to renew in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Texas license by mail if it expired less than two years ago, or in person at a DPS office if it expired more than two years ago.
  • Mail renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
  • If your license expired while you were out of state or overseas, you may need to pass a written driving test before renewing.
  • You can check your license expiration date and start the renewal process on the Texas DPS website.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within two years

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting a DPS office. This is the fastest and most convenient option for most people. You will need to send in your expired license, a completed DL-44 form (the Texas driver license process), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

The DL-44 form is available on the Texas DPS website. Mail your materials to the address listed on the form — it varies by region. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. During this time, you should not drive, since your license is expired and you do not yet have the renewed one.

Renewing in person at a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license expired more than two years ago, Texas DPS requires you to renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use the mail renewal option. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. The in-person appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or walk in to a local office, though walk-ins may have longer wait times.

What to bring and what it costs

For mail renewal, you need your expired license, the completed DL-44 form, and payment. A four-year license costs $16 and an eight-year license costs $32. You can pay by check or money order only — not credit card or cash.

For in-person renewal, bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and payment. DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card in person. The fees are the same: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is higher — $32 for four years or $64 for eight years — and you must renew in person.

When you need to take a written test to renew

Most people renewing an expired Texas license do not need to retake the written driving test. However, DPS may require you to pass the test if your license expired while you were living outside Texas or outside the United States. You will also need to take the test if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, or if DPS has reason to believe your driving knowledge needs to be verified.

If DPS notifies you that you need to take the test, you must do so in person at a DPS office. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The test itself is no charge, but you still pay the standard renewal fee.

Driving legally while you wait for your renewed license

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas, even if you have already started the renewal process. There is no grace period. If you are pulled over before your new license arrives, you can be cited.

If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you have two options. If you renewed by mail, you can visit a DPS office and request a temporary paper license while you wait for the permanent one. If you renewed in person, ask the DPS employee whether they can issue a temporary license on the spot — some offices do this when ready after your appointment. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online?

No, Texas DPS does not offer full online renewal. You can start the process on the DPS website and check your may be able to access, but you must either mail in your documents or visit an office in person to complete it.

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

You can still renew. Bring a police report of the lost license, or straightforward tell the DPS employee at the office that it is lost. You will need the other required documents — proof of residency and proof of Social Security number — and you must renew in person.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard Texas driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. A Real ID-compliant license is also valid for four or eight years. You choose the length when you renew, and the eight-year option costs twice as much.

Do I have to renew in the county where I live?

No. You can visit any DPS office in Texas to renew in person. However, if you are renewing by mail, you must send your documents to the regional office that serves your county. The DL-44 form lists the correct mailing address for your area.

What if my name or address has changed since my license expired?

You can update both during renewal. Bring proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or new address (utility bill or lease). The DPS employee will update your information as part of the renewal process.