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

Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday in either the fourth or eighth year after you get it. The length depends on your age when you explore. If you are under 85, your license lasts eight years. If you are 85 or older, it lasts four years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

You will see the expiration date written as a month and year — for example, 08/2032. That means your license expires at the end of business on that date. You can still drive on your birthday itself; the license becomes invalid the next day.

Texas does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so the responsibility is entirely yours to track the date. Many people set a phone reminder on their birthday or check their license every few months if they are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday eight years after you receive them, or four years if you are 85 or older.
  • The expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner as a month and year.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which lets you spread out the timing if you prefer.
  • Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have a renewal process pending.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office, depending on how long it has been since your last renewal.

How to read the expiration date on your license

Open your wallet and look at the front of your card. In the bottom right corner, you will see a line that says "EXP" followed by a date. That date is your expiration date. It is written as month/year — so 03/2031 means March 2031.

If you cannot find this line or the text is hard to read, you can also call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 and give them your driver's license number. They will tell you the exact expiration date over the phone.

When you can start renewing your license

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on August 15, 2025, you can start the renewal process on August 15, 2024. Starting early gives you time to gather documents, schedule an appointment if you need one, or handle any issues that come up.

Many people renew a few months before expiration to avoid the rush that happens right before the important date. If you wait until the last week, you may face longer wait times at Texas Department of Public Safety offices.

Renewing online, by mail, or in person

Texas offers three renewal routes, and which one you can use depends on when you last renewed in person. If you renewed in person within the last 10 years, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your last in-person renewal was more than 10 years ago, you must renew in person.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website, create an account, answer questions about your current license, and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and a check or money order to the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can read the form from their website or call 1-888-589-6556 to request one. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your packet. You cannot drive on an expired license while waiting, so mail renewal works best if you start well before your expiration date.

In-person renewal at a Texas Department of Public Safety office is required if your last in-person visit was more than 10 years ago. You will need to bring your current 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). You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies, but it is typically between $100 and $200 for a first offense. An expired license can also complicate insurance claims if you are in an accident.

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — online, by mail, or in person. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license in person, which requires taking a written test and a driving test.

If you realize your license has expired and you need to drive, do not wait. Start the renewal process when ready. If you choose online or mail renewal, you can drive on your expired license while your process is being processed, as long as you have proof that you submitted it. Keep your confirmation email or receipt with you.

Special cases: Military, commercial, and other license types

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the expiration rules are different. Commercial licenses expire on your birthday but last only five years, not eight. You must renew in person and pass a medical examination. The Texas Department of Public Safety has a separate process process for commercial renewals.

If you are on active military duty, you can request a one-year extension of your license without renewing. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to request this extension. When you leave active duty, you have 90 days to renew your license before it expires.

If you have a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. This may involve paying fees, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my license the day it expires?

Yes. Your license is valid through the end of business on your expiration date. You cannot drive on it the next day. If your birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, your license still expires on that date, not the next business day.

What if I lost my license and do not know when it expires?

Call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 with your driver's license number or date of birth. They will tell you the expiration date and can also tell you if your license is suspended or revoked. If you have lost your physical card, you can request a replacement at the same time.

Do I have to renew in person if I have not been to a Texas DPS office in over 10 years?

Yes. If your last in-person renewal was more than 10 years ago, you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You can schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

What if I am out of state when my license expires?

You can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as you are may be able to access (renewed in person within the last 10 years). If you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal, you will need to return to Texas to renew in person, or you can request a temporary extension by calling the Texas Department of Public Safety.

How much does it cost to renew my license?

The cost varies depending on how long your new license will last. An eight-year renewal costs $33, and a four-year renewal (for drivers 85 and older) costs $16.50. Online and mail renewals cost the same as in-person renewals. Some Texas Department of Public Safety offices may charge an additional fee for certain services.