Your expired Texas driver's license is no longer valid for driving, but renewal is straightforward and can often be done online or by mail

An expired driver's license means you cannot legally drive in Texas or any other state. Police can stop you for driving with an expired license, and you can be cited. However, Texas allows you to renew before expiration, after expiration, and even several years after it expires — the process and where you go depends on how long it has been expired and whether you want to renew in person or remotely.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license renewals. You have three main routes: online through the DPS website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a DPS office. Which one you can use depends on your license status, when it expired, and what changes need to be made to your record.

Key Takeaways

  • A license expired less than two years ago can be renewed online or by mail without visiting a DPS office in most cases.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test.
  • Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
  • Renewing by mail takes four to six weeks and requires a completed DL-44 form, proof of residency, and a check or money order.
  • You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so plan ahead rather than waiting until your current one expires.

Renewing online if your license expired within two years

The fastest way to renew is through the DPS online renewal system at dps.texas.gov. You can renew online if your license expired within the last two years, you have no address changes, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a Class C (regular car) license.

You will need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes seven to ten business days. If you need it faster, you can pay extra for expedited mail, though this is not the same as getting it the same day.

If you do not remember your license number, you can look it up on the DPS website using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you cannot access the online system or your renewal is rejected, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within two years

Mail renewal is an option if your license expired within two years and you have no changes to your personal information. You will need to read and print the DL-44 form from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with payment and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license; the DPS does not return it. Mail your packet to the address on the DL-44 form and expect four to six weeks for processing and delivery. The cost is $16 for a Class C license.

Pay by check or money order only — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Write your license number on the back of your check. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there are questions about your renewal.

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, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You will also need to pass a vision test.

Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The DPS considers a license expired more than two years to be a lapsed license, and lapsed licenses sometimes trigger a retest requirement. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask whether you will need to take the test — this varies by office and by how long the license has been expired.

Find your nearest DPS office and check hours at dps.texas.gov. Many offices require you to book an appointment online or by phone rather than walk in. The renewal fee is $16 for a Class C license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic license by mail within seven to ten business days.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can stop you and cite you. The penalty is typically a fine of $100 to $200 for a first offense, though the exact amount depends on the officer's discretion and the county where you are cited. If your license has been expired for more than one year, the fine can be higher.

An expired license citation does not add points to your driving record in Texas, but it does create a court record. If you are stopped again within a short time, a second citation can result in higher fines or other consequences. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires or as soon as you realize it has expired.

Renewing a license that expired while you were out of state or deployed

If you were living outside Texas or deployed with the military when your license expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online even if it has been expired longer than two years. Contact your local DPS office or call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6556 to explain your situation. Some offices will waive the in-person requirement if you can document that you were out of state.

Have your military discharge papers, lease, or other proof of your out-of-state address ready when you call. The DPS will tell you which documents to send and whether you can renew remotely. Processing may take longer than a standard renewal because your case requires manual review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

No. The DPS will not process your renewal if there is an active warrant or if you owe court fines related to a traffic violation. You must resolve the ticket or warrant first. Contact the court in the county where the ticket was issued to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if my address has changed since my license expired?

If you have moved, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days showing your current Texas address.

How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?

Standard delivery takes seven to ten business days after the DPS processes your renewal. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks total because processing happens after they receive your packet. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a DPS office to get a temporary paper license when ready.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other government-issued identification instead. Call ahead to confirm what documents your local office accepts.

What if my name has changed since my license expired?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name.