Texas driver's licenses expire every 8 years, but the exact date depends on your age and when you were issued your current license

In Texas, a standard driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it was issued. Your license will show both the issue date and expiration date on the front. The state does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you need to track the expiration date yourself or check the card when you need it.

If you were under 18 when you got your license, it expires after 4 years instead of 8. Once you turn 18, you can renew for the full 8-year term. Licenses issued to drivers age 85 and older expire after 4 years, regardless of when they were issued.

You can renew your license up to 2 years before it expires, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute. Many people renew early to avoid the rush at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses expire 8 years after the issue date shown on your card.
  • Licenses issued to minors expire after 4 years, and you can renew for a full 8-year term once you turn 18.
  • You can renew up to 2 years before expiration, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • Texas does not mail renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date yourself or set a phone reminder.
  • Driving on an expired license in Texas is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.

Where to find your expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your Texas driver's license in the lower right corner. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. The issue date is also on the front, slightly above the expiration date.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the date clearly, you can look up your license information 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 to access this information.

Renewing before your license expires

You have three ways to renew a Texas driver's license: in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website. Not all renewal methods are available to everyone, so your options depend on your age, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you are between 18 and 84 years old, your license has not been expired for more than 2 years, and you do not need to change your address or photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $25. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. The cost is $25 for a standard 8-year license.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license in Texas is illegal, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for driving with an expired license is typically between $100 and $200, depending on the circumstances and the officer's discretion.

If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You will have to go to a DPS office in person and may have to retake the written test and driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. The longer your license has been expired, the more steps you may have to repeat.

If you are stopped by police and your license is expired, you may also face additional penalties if you were involved in an accident or traffic violation. Insurance companies may also deny claims if you were driving on an expired license at the time of an accident.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you must not need to change your address, photo, or other information on your license. You also cannot have any medical conditions that require a DPS review.

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license and the $25 renewal fee. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. This option is useful if you live far from a DPS office or have a busy schedule, but it takes longer than online renewal.

Special cases: Commercial licenses and other types

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Texas expire every 4 years, not 8. If you hold a CDL, you must renew more frequently than someone with a standard license. CDL renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and includes a medical examination.

Licenses with a Hazmat endorsement expire every 5 years because of federal requirements. If your license includes a Hazmat endorsement, you will need to renew sooner than someone with a standard 8-year license.

Motorcycle endorsements follow the same expiration schedule as your driver's license. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on an 8-year license, both expire at the same time.

Planning ahead to avoid expired license problems

Set a phone reminder 2 to 3 months before your license expires. This gives you time to renew without rushing and without the risk of accidentally driving on an expired license. If you renew online, you will have your new license within 7 to 10 days, so there is no reason to wait until the last moment.

If you are moving out of state, renew your Texas license before you leave if it is close to expiration. Some states will not issue you a new license until your old one has expired, and you do not want to be caught driving with an expired license during the transition.

Keep your license in a safe place where you can find it easily. If you lose it, you will need to get a replacement, which costs $25 and requires a trip to a DPS office. A replacement license takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving, even for one day. You must renew before the expiration date. If you are close to expiration and cannot renew in time, do not drive until you have a valid license.

Do I have to renew in person if I am over 84 years old?

Yes. Drivers age 85 and older must renew in person at a DPS office every 4 years. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You may also be asked to pass a vision test or medical examination.

What if I renew online but do not receive my license within 10 days?

Contact the Texas DPS by phone or through their website to check the status of your renewal. If there is a problem with your process, DPS will contact you. In the meantime, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website to carry with you while you wait for your physical license to arrive.

Can I renew my Texas license if I now live in another state?

You can renew by mail if you meet the conditions for mail renewal and your address has not changed. If you have moved to another state, you should get a license in that state instead. Driving with an out-of-state license in your state of residence is not legal for more than a short period.