Yes, you can renew after expiration, but the process changes
You can renew your Texas driver's license after it expires, but you cannot legally drive on an expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
The key difference is timing: an expired license is not a valid form of identification for driving, so you should renew before you need to drive again. Texas does not give you a grace period to drive on an expired license while your renewal processes.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than two years can be renewed by mail, online, or at a DPS office; licenses expired two years or longer require an in-person visit and may require retesting.
- You cannot legally drive on an expired Texas license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
- Online renewal takes about one week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually same-day or within a few days.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid form of ID to renew, whether by mail or online.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, bring proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to your in-person appointment.
Renewing within two years of expiration
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you have three paths: online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest and requires only your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. You pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, though fees can change) and receive your new license by mail within about one week.
Mail renewal takes longer—usually two to three weeks—but works the same way. You fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. You will need a copy of your current license or another form of ID.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is also an option and is often fastest if you need your license when ready. You bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Same-day or next-day service is common at most offices, though wait times vary by location.
Renewing after two or more years of expiration
If your license has been expired for two years or longer, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. You will need to bring your expired license (or another form of ID if you cannot find it), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days.
At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and take the written knowledge test. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and is the same test new drivers take. If you have not driven in two years or longer, you may want to review the Texas Driver Handbook before your appointment. You can read it free from the DPS website.
Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew that day and will need to see an eye doctor first. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to schedule another appointment.
What to bring to a DPS office
| Document Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Expired driver's license, passport, military ID | Required for all renewals |
| Proof of Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return | Required for all renewals |
| Proof of Texas residency (in-person only) | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, insurance bill | Must be dated within 90 days; required only if expired 2+ years |
| Payment | Cash, debit card, credit card, check | $25 for 5-year license; $40 for 8-year license |
How long renewal takes by method
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired fewer than two years ago. You submit your process and pay the fee in one sitting, and your new license arrives by mail within about one week. Some people receive theirs in five to seven business days; others take up to two weeks depending on mail delivery.
Mail renewal takes longer because your process has to travel to a DPS processing center, be reviewed, and be mailed back to you. Plan for two to three weeks total, sometimes longer if the DPS is processing a high volume of applications.
In-person renewal is fastest if you need to drive when ready. Most DPS offices issue your license the same day or within one business day. However, you may wait 30 minutes to two hours at the office depending on how busy it is. Scheduling an appointment online before you go can reduce your wait time at many locations.
Driving while your renewal is pending
Texas does not issue a temporary license or grace period while your renewal process is being processed. Once your current license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have already submitted your renewal process online or by mail. If you are stopped by police, an expired license is a violation, and you could be ticketed.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your only option is to go to a DPS office in person and request an expedited or same-day renewal. Some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for a short period while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and corrections
If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew by mail or online if your name on file does not match your current legal name.
If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can update your address during any renewal method—online, by mail, or in person. If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot renew a Texas license; you must obtain a license from your new state.
If you notice an error on your expired license (wrong date of birth, wrong eye color, misspelled name), bring it to your attention when you renew. If you are renewing in person, the DPS staff can correct it on the spot. If you are renewing by mail or online, note the error in a separate letter included with your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without it. Bring another form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency if you are renewing in person. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will need to provide your driver's license number if you have it, or you may need to visit a DPS office instead.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, an unpaid traffic ticket does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an active warrant or suspension on your driving record, the DPS system will flag it and you may not be able to renew until the issue is resolved. You can check your driving record status on the DPS website before you explore.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Texas license?
A five-year license costs $25 and an eight-year license costs $40. If you are over 85 years old, renewal is free. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee if you request expedited service or a duplicate license.
Do I need a Real ID if I renew my expired license?
No. Your expired license does not need to be a Real ID for you to renew it as a standard driver's license. However, if you want your new license to be Real ID compliant (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025), you must renew in person and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number.
What happens if I fail the vision or written test at my in-person renewal?
If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew that day. You will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form. If you fail the written test, most DPS offices let you retake it the same day at no extra cost, though a few locations require you to schedule another appointment. You can take the test up to three times within a certain period before you have to wait and reapply.