When Your Texas Driver's License Expires and What to Do Before It Does

Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five or eight years after you receive them

Your Texas driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. For most adults, licenses expire on your birthday in either the fifth or eighth year after issue — which one depends on your age when you got the license and whether you renewed it early. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets the expiration date when they issue or renew your license, and you can see exactly when yours expires by looking at the card itself.

If you were under 18 when you received your license, it expires on your 18th birthday. If you were 18 or older, your license expires five years later on your birthday — unless you chose to renew for eight years when you last renewed, in which case it expires eight years after that renewal date. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) follow different rules and expire every five years regardless of age.

The expiration date matters because driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you were a valid driver the day before. You cannot renew your license after it expires — you have to explore for a new one, which takes longer and costs more than a renewal.

Key Takeaways

Your Texas driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of the card and falls on your birthday.
Adult licenses expire five years after issue, or eight years if you chose the eight-year option at your last renewal.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until your birthday.
Renewing before expiration costs less and takes less time than explore for a new license after it expires.
If your license has already expired, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, and you cannot legally drive until you receive it.

How to find your exact expiration date

Look at the front of your physical Texas driver's license. The expiration date appears in the lower right corner, printed as a month and year — for example, "12/31/2027". This is the last day you can legally drive on that license.

If you do not have your physical license in front of you, you can also check your expiration date online through the Texas DPS website. Go to the DPS homepage, select "Check License Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you your current license status and expiration date. You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm your expiration date by phone, though wait times are often long during business hours.

When you can renew before your license expires

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This means if your license expires on December 15, 2025, you can renew it starting December 15, 2024. Renewing early is often a smart choice because it avoids the rush around your birthday and gives you a new license with a fresh expiration date before the old one runs out.

You cannot renew after your license expires. Once the expiration date passes, your license is no longer valid, and you must explore for a new license instead. The new license process process takes longer than renewal and requires more documents, so renewing before expiration saves time and money.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired Texas driver's license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited, fined, and potentially arrested depending on how long the license has been expired and whether you have other violations. The fine for driving with an expired license typically ranges from $100 to $200, though it can be higher if your license expired more than two years ago.

An expired license also affects your ability to rent a car, board a plane, or use it as proof of identity for other purposes. If you need to drive and your license has expired, you cannot legally do so — you must wait until you receive your new license in the mail after you explore.

How to renew your Texas driver's license

You have three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had more than one license suspension or denial in the past five years, and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information on the license.

To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $25 for a five-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by downloading the DL-44 form from the DPS website, filling it out, and mailing it with a check or money order and a copy of your current license to the address on the form. By-mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, or if you have had suspensions or denials, you must renew in person at a DPS office. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This process is longer and more expensive than renewal. You will need to visit a DPS office in person, bring your Social Security card or other proof of Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken.

The fee for a new license is $33 for a five-year license or $58 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Until you receive your permanent license, you must carry both the paper temporary license and a valid photo ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license becomes invalid at the end of the expiration date. If your license expires on December 31, you cannot legally drive on January 1. You must renew before the expiration date or explore for a new license if it has already expired.

Do I have to renew on my birthday?

No. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Many people renew weeks or months early to avoid the rush and may support they have a valid license before their birthday arrives.

What if I renew online but need to change my address?

You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail using the DL-44 form if you need to update your address at the same time.

How long does it take to get a new license if mine has expired?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your in-person appointment that you can use to drive legally. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You must carry both documents until the permanent license arrives.

What if I lost my license and it has expired?

You must explore for a replacement license in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents you would need for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The process and fees are the same as explore for a new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.