What happens when your Texas driver's license expires
Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday, and the state sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before that date. You cannot legally drive once it expires. Texas does not have a grace period—an expired license is an expired license, even if you were only a day late renewing it. If you are pulled over, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine and can affect your insurance rates.
The good news is that renewal is straightforward if you do it before the expiration date. You have three main routes: renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, renew by mail, or renew in person at a DPS office. Which one you can use depends on how long ago your license was issued and whether you have had any changes to your address or name.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license has been valid for at least 5 years, you have not changed your address or name, and you are not over 79 years old.
- Mail renewal takes about 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must mail in your current license and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if you have changed your address, your name, or if your license is more than 5 years expired.
- Texas charges a flat renewal fee that varies by license type; a standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.
- You will need proof of identity and residency for any renewal method, though the specific documents accepted differ slightly between online, mail, and in-person routes.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew on the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) if your current license has been valid for at least 5 years, you have not changed your address or name since it was issued, you are not over 79 years old, and your license is not suspended or revoked. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
When you renew online, you will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready. Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the digital license to drive legally while you wait for the card. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the online renewal.
Mail renewal when you cannot go in person
If you do not meet the online requirements but your license is not yet expired, you can renew by mail. read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your process. There is no temporary license issued during mail renewal, so you cannot legally drive until your new card arrives. For this reason, mail renewal works best if you renew well before your expiration date. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person at a DPS driver's license office if your license is expired, if you have changed your address or legal name since your license was issued, if you are over 79 years old, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Bring your current license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Walk-in service is available at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely depending on location and time of day. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Bring all required documents to avoid a wasted trip. When you renew in person, you receive your new license on the spot.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of SSN, date of birth | Digital license when ready; physical card in 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed DL-43 form, proof of residency, renewal fee | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, renewal fee | Same day |
Renewal fees and payment options
Texas charges a flat renewal fee based on how long your new license will be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DPS website for the current fee before you renew. Online and mail renewal accept credit and debit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options.
If you renew online or by mail, you pay the fee as part of the transaction. If you renew in person, you pay at the DPS office when you submit your process. There are no additional fees for a replacement license if yours is lost or damaged, but you will need to report it to DPS and may need to provide a police report if it was stolen.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person with your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so do not drive to the DPS office unless your license is still valid. Ask a friend or family member for a ride, use a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transportation instead.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, DPS may require you to pass the written test and vision test again, depending on how long it has been. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what tests you will need to take. This can add 30 minutes to an hour to your visit, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license if I have already submitted my renewal process?
Only if you renewed online and received a digital temporary license. If you renewed by mail or in person, you cannot drive legally until your new physical license arrives or is issued. If you renewed online, the temporary digital license is valid while you wait for your physical card.
What if I moved to a different address since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. In-person renewal is faster if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
How long does a renewed Texas driver's license last?
A standard renewal is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can choose an eight-year license at the time of renewal, which costs more but lasts longer. Licenses for drivers over 79 years old are valid for two years and must be renewed in person.
What happens if I miss my renewal important date?
Your license becomes invalid on your birthday, and you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a DPS office with your expired license and required documents. Driving with an expired license can result in a citation and fine. Renew as soon as possible to restore your driving privileges.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS before you can renew. Contact your local DPS office or check your driving record online to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it.