Texas driver's licenses expire, and the timing depends on your age and license type

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. If you are under 18 when you get your license, it expires on your 18th birthday instead. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for only two years. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) expire after five years, regardless of your age.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. Texas sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but the reminder is optional — you are responsible for renewing on time. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic citation.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas licenses expire six years after issue, except for drivers under 18 (expire at age 18) and drivers 85 and older (expire after two years).
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license; you can also check it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the method available to you depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have had address changes.
  • Texas allows you to renew up to one year before expiration and up to two years after expiration, though renewing late may require an in-person visit.

How to check your Texas license expiration date

The easiest way to find your expiration date is to look at the front of your physical license. The date appears in the bottom right corner and is labeled "Exp" (expiration). The format is month/day/year.

If you do not have your license in front of you, you can check the expiration date online through the Texas DPS website. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This lookup tool is free and takes less than a minute.

Renewing before your license expires

Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early is often the easiest path because you have the most options for how to renew.

If you have not had any address changes and your license is not damaged, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $16 for a six-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to go online. Request a renewal process from the Texas DPS, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but avoids a trip to a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is always an option, though it requires an appointment. Visit the Texas DPS website to find your nearest office and schedule a time. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you can request a temporary license to use while your new one is mailed.

Renewing after your license has expired

Texas allows you to renew your license up to two years after expiration. However, the longer your license has been expired, the fewer renewal options you have.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have not had any address changes, you may still be able to renew online or by mail using the same process described above. Check the Texas DPS website to see which methods are available for your situation.

If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you have had an address change since it expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and payment. An in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you can request a temporary license on the spot.

What happens if you drive on an expired license

Driving on an expired Texas license is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The penalty is typically a fine of up to $200, though the exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot legally renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written knowledge test, a driving test, and payment of the full license fee (not a renewal fee). explore for a new license costs more and takes longer than renewing an expired one.

Renewing a Texas license if you have moved out of state

If you have moved out of Texas and your license is still valid, you can renew it by mail or online before it expires. You do not need to be a Texas resident to renew a Texas license.

However, if your license has already expired and you have moved out of state, you will need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office or explore for a license in your new state. If you plan to return to Texas, renewing your Texas license may be simpler than switching states. If you plan to stay in your new state, you should explore for a license there instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online if I have moved to a new address?

It depends on when you moved and whether you updated your address with the DPS. If you moved recently and have not yet updated your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. If you updated your address before your license expired, you can renew online or by mail.

What if my Texas license expired while I was deployed or out of the country?

Texas does not automatically extend licenses for military deployment or travel. However, if you were deployed, you may be able to renew by mail or online even if your license is expired, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the Texas DPS directly to discuss your situation, or visit a DPS office in person when you return.

Do I need a new photo if I renew my Texas license?

If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you do not need a new photo — your old photo will be used. If you renew in person or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to have a new photo taken at the DPS office.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

A six-year license renewal costs $16 if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, the cost is $25. Drivers 85 and older pay $10 for a two-year renewal. Fees may vary slightly depending on the method and your age.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement at a DPS office in person. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. A replacement costs $11 and is processed when ready. You can request a temporary license to use while your new one is mailed.