What to do if your Texas driver license has expired
If your Texas driver license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you use depends on how long ago it expired and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Texas allows you to renew your license up to two years after expiration without penalty or additional requirements beyond the standard renewal fee. However, if you plan to drive before your new license arrives, you cannot legally operate a vehicle with an expired license — even if your renewal is in process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at Texas DPS's website if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you meet basic requirements like current address on file.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your completed form, so send it early if you have a important date.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID.
- The standard renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; fees do not increase because your license expired.
- You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even during the renewal process, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
Renewing online through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you have no address changes to make, and your current address is already on file with DPS.
To renew online, you will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you submit your renewal, DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard mailing takes about two to three weeks, though you can pay an extra fee for expedited delivery to some addresses.
Online renewal does not work if you want to change your address, update your name, add a Real ID designation, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing by mail with Form DL-44
Mail renewal works for most people whose licenses expired fewer than two years ago. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by phone at 1-888-589-6789.
Mail your completed form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($33 for four years, $66 for eight years) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. Do not send cash.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your form. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster — you can walk out with a temporary driving permit the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add Real ID, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, from a standard Class C to a commercial Class A or B license).
Bring your expired driver license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are explore for Real ID, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Visit a DPS office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at the Texas DPS website. Bring cash or a card for the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary driving permit on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
Real ID upgrade during renewal
If your expired license is a standard driver license (not Real ID), you can upgrade to Real ID during renewal. Real ID is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025. You must upgrade in person at a DPS office.
The Real ID upgrade costs an additional $16 on top of the standard renewal fee ($49 for four years, $82 for eight years). You will need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, plus the same identity and address documents required for a standard renewal. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Texas driver license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations, but it typically ranges from $100 to $200 or more.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you are also required to pass a written test and vision test again before DPS will issue a new license. This applies even if you have been driving legally with a valid license for decades — the two-year expiration threshold resets the requirement.
If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, your only legal option is to obtain a temporary driving permit. If you renewed in person, you received one at the office. If you renewed by mail or online, you cannot get a temporary permit — you must wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
Timeline and fees for Texas license renewal
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | License Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 2–3 weeks by mail | 4 or 8 years | $33 (4 yr) or $66 (8 yr) |
| Mail (Form DL-44) | 2–3 weeks | 4 or 8 years | $33 (4 yr) or $66 (8 yr) |
| In-person at DPS office | Same-day temporary permit; 2 weeks for permanent | 4 or 8 years | $33 (4 yr) or $66 (8 yr) |
| In-person with Real ID upgrade | Same-day temporary permit; 2 weeks for permanent | 4 or 8 years | $49 (4 yr) or $82 (8 yr) |
Expedited mail delivery is available for an additional fee if you use online renewal. Expedited service costs $15 to $25 depending on the delivery speed you choose, and it is not available to all addresses.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume you can drive while your renewal is being processed. You cannot legally operate a vehicle with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal form or paid the fee. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person to get a temporary driving permit.
Do not send cash by mail. DPS will not process your renewal if you include cash, and you will not receive a refund. Use a check or money order instead.
Do not overlook the two-year expiration window for mail and online renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and you will need to pass a written test and vision test again. Check your license expiration date before you start the renewal process.
Do not forget to bring proof of your current address if you are renewing by mail. Without it, DPS will reject your process and return it to you, which delays your renewal by another week or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no address changes. If you need to change your address or your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person, which means traveling to a Texas DPS office or using a DPS office in another state if you have relocated.
What if I lost my expired license and do not have the number?
You can still renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and address as usual. The DPS staff can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. If you want to renew by mail or online, you will need your license number, so call 1-888-589-6789 to ask DPS to provide it.
Do I have to renew for eight years or can I choose four years?
You can choose either a four-year or eight-year license. The fee is lower for four years ($33 versus $66), but you will need to renew more often. Choose based on how long you plan to keep your current address and whether you want to avoid renewal paperwork sooner.
Will my temporary driving permit work if I am pulled over?
Yes, a temporary driving permit issued by DPS is a valid form of identification while you are driving. It proves you have a current renewal in process. Keep it with you while you drive, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
What if my name changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed, because DPS needs to verify the change in person.