Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five or six years after you receive them

The expiration date on a Texas driver's license depends on your age when you get it. If you are under 85, your license lasts until your birthday five years later. If you are 85 or older, your license lasts until your birthday one year later. The exact expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.

Texas does not send renewal reminders by mail or email. You are responsible for tracking your own expiration date. Many people set a phone reminder on their birthday or check their license several months before it expires to avoid driving on an expired card.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you do not have to wait until your birthday to go to the Department of Public Safety office. Renewing early is often a smart move if you know your schedule will be busy around your birthday or if you want to avoid a long wait at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for people under 85, and one year after issue for people 85 and older.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card.
  • Texas does not send renewal notices, so you must track your own expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
  • Renewal by mail is available only if you meet specific conditions, such as having no vision or medical restrictions and not changing your name.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Public Safety office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and the fee.

Renewal by Mail for Texas Residents Who Meet the Requirements

You can renew your Texas driver's license by mail only if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired, you have no vision or medical restrictions on your current license, you are not changing your name, your address has not changed, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations in the past five years. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office.

To renew by mail, complete Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $33 for a five-year license if you are under 85), and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file.

If you are unsure whether you meet the mail renewal requirements, call the Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6789 before sending in your process. This saves time and prevents your process from being rejected and returned.

In-Person Renewal at a Department of Public Safety Office

If you do not meet the mail renewal requirements, or if you prefer to renew in person, you must visit a Department of Public Safety office. Bring your current driver's license, one form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), proof of your current Texas address (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the renewal fee. The fee is $33 for a five-year license if you are under 85, or $16 for a one-year license if you are 85 or older.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and around the end of the month. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you are more likely to be seen quickly. Some offices offer online scheduling through the Department of Public Safety website, which can reduce your wait time.

The renewal process at the office takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions about your health and driving record, and pay the fee. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it the same day.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

Driving with an expired Texas driver's license is against the law. If you are stopped by a police officer and your license has expired, you can be cited for driving without a valid license. The penalty can include a fine of up to $200 and points on your driving record.

If your license has expired, you cannot renew it by mail. You must go to a Department of Public Safety office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal: your expired license, one form of identification, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee. The office will process your renewal the same way, and you will receive your new license on the spot.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to take the written driving test and vision test again, in addition to the standard renewal process. Check with your local Department of Public Safety office to confirm what you will need to bring.

Renewing Your License If You Have Changed Your Name or Address

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), one form of identification, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee.

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can renew by mail only if you are otherwise may be able to access for mail renewal. If you have moved out of Texas and no longer live there, you cannot renew your Texas license by mail. You must explore for a driver's license in your new state instead.

Senior Driver Renewals and Vision Testing Requirements

If you are 85 or older, your Texas driver's license expires one year after it is issued, not five years. You must renew every year on your birthday. The renewal fee for a one-year license is $16. You cannot renew by mail if you are 85 or older; you must go to a Department of Public Safety office in person.

Texas requires all drivers to pass a vision test as part of the renewal process. If you are 79 or older, you must also pass a written test about traffic laws and road signs. These tests are given at the Department of Public Safety office when you renew. If you do not pass the vision test, you may be issued a license with restrictions, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only.

Finding Your Nearest Department of Public Safety Office and Hours

You can find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest Department of Public Safety office on the official Texas DPS website. Search by city or zip code. Many offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm the hours before you go, because some offices have reduced hours on certain days.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, you may be able to renew by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. This is often the fastest option for people who live more than 30 minutes from the nearest office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires on my birthday?

No. Your license is no longer valid after midnight on your birthday. You should not drive the next day unless you have already renewed it. If you know your birthday is coming up, renew your license at least a few days before to make sure you have it in time.

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

If your license is lost or stolen, you must go to a Department of Public Safety office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring one form of identification, proof of your current address, and the replacement fee (currently $11). You cannot renew by mail if your license is lost.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew your license, whether you renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, you do not have a photo taken; the office uses the photo from your current license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office.

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

No. You must be a Texas resident to renew a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of Texas, you must explore for a driver's license in your new state. You can find information about that state's requirements on its Department of Motor Vehicles website.

How long does it take to get my renewed license by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Department of Public Safety receives your process. Add a few extra days for mail delivery time. If you need your license faster, renew in person at an office instead.