Your expired Texas driver's license can still be renewed, but the steps depend on how long it has been expired

If your Texas driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process and your options change based on how many years have passed since the expiration date. A license expired less than two years is the easiest to handle. A license expired two to five years requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. A license expired more than five years may require you to retake the written test and vision test, depending on your age when it expired.

You do not need to wait for a specific date to renew—you can renew as soon as you notice it has expired. The sooner you do, the fewer restrictions you will face and the faster you can get a valid license back in hand.

Key Takeaways

  • A Texas driver's license expired less than two years can be renewed online, by mail, or in person without retaking tests.
  • A license expired two to five years requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • A license expired more than five years may require you to pass the written and vision tests again, even if you passed them before.
  • You can renew online at the DPS website if your license expired within the last two years and you have a valid email address.
  • Driving on an expired license in Texas is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, so renew as soon as possible.

Renewing a license expired less than two years

If your license expired within the last two years, you have the most flexibility. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website, renew by mail, or visit a DPS office in person. The online route is the fastest—you can complete it in minutes from home. You will need your driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method for the renewal fee, which is currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the DPS website, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes one to two weeks. If you prefer to renew in person, visit any DPS office with your expired license and payment. You will not need to retake any tests.

Renewing a license expired two to five years

Once your license has been expired for two years or longer, online and mail renewal are no longer available. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.

You will not have to retake the written test or vision test if your license expired within five years. The DPS will process your renewal at the office, and you can receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks.

Renewing a license expired more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, the DPS treats your renewal differently depending on your age. If you were under 18 when your license expired, you will need to retake the written test and vision test. If you were 18 or older when it expired, you may not have to retake the tests, but the DPS has discretion to require them based on your driving record or other factors.

Contact your local DPS office before you visit to confirm whether you need to schedule a test appointment. Bring the same documents as you would for a two-to-five-year renewal: expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you do need to test, arrive early on the day of your appointment, as the written test and vision screening take about 30 minutes total.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment

Texas DPS has offices in most cities and counties. Use the office locator on the DPS website to find the one nearest you and check its hours. Many offices now require appointments, especially after the pandemic. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but appointment holders are served first, so scheduling ahead saves time.

Bring all required documents with you—the DPS will not process your renewal if anything is missing. If you are missing a document, ask the office staff what alternatives they accept. For example, if you do not have a utility bill for proof of residency, a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail may work instead.

What happens if you drive on an expired license

Driving on an expired Texas driver's license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a traffic citation. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically between $100 and $200, though it can be higher if your license has been expired for a long time or if you have other violations. A citation also creates a record that may affect your insurance rates.

If your license expired recently and you are waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail, carry a copy of your online renewal confirmation or temporary paper license with you. These documents show that you have taken steps to renew and may help if you are stopped, though they do not fully protect you from a citation.

Renewing your license before it expires

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is the simplest path—you avoid the complications that come with an expired license and can do it entirely online if you choose. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a current license holder. The renewal fee is the same regardless of when you renew.

If you know your license is about to expire, check the DPS website or your license itself for the expiration date. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar a few months before that date. Early renewal takes the pressure off and ensures you always have a valid license on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years. If it has been expired longer than that, you must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.

Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired five years ago?

It depends on your age when the license expired. If you were under 18, yes. If you were 18 or older, probably not, but the DPS may require it based on your driving record. Call your local DPS office to confirm before you visit.

What is the renewal fee for a Texas driver's license?

A five-year license costs $25, and an eight-year license costs $50. You can choose which term you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew early, on time, or after expiration.

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

If you renew in person at a DPS office, your permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready. Mail renewal takes one to two weeks from the time the DPS receives your form.

What documents do I need to bring to renew my expired license in person?

Bring your expired driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If any document is missing, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept.