Texas driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five or eight years after issue depending on your age
Your Texas driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. That date is always your birthday. The number of years between issue and expiration depends on how old you were when you got the license: if you were under 18, it expires on your 18th birthday; if you were 18 to 84, it expires eight years later; if you were 85 or older, it expires two years later.
You do not have to wait until your birthday to renew. Texas allows you to renew up to one year before expiration. This matters because the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) processes renewals by mail or online, and both take time. If you renew early, you will receive your new license before the old one expires, so you avoid a gap.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods, but you may face additional requirements depending on how long it has been expired. The state does not charge a penalty for renewing after expiration, but the longer you wait, the more documents you may need to bring to a DPS office if you choose to renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday, eight years after issue if you were 18 to 84 when you got it.
- You can renew online or by mail starting one year before expiration, and both methods take two to three weeks for delivery.
- Renewing early avoids a gap between your old license expiring and your new one arriving.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring original identity documents.
- Texas charges $45 for an eight-year renewal and $25 for a two-year renewal if you are 85 or older.
Online and mail renewal: the fastest routes if your license is current or expired less than two years
The Texas DPS website allows you to renew online if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about address and medical conditions, pay the $45 fee by credit or debit card, and submit. The system confirms your identity using information already on file with the state. You do not upload documents. Processing takes about two weeks, and your new license arrives by mail in another week or so.
Mail renewal works the same way but requires you to print and mail a form. You request the form from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $45, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer than online because of postal delays — typically three to four weeks total from the time DPS receives your envelope.
Both methods work only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must go to a DPS office in person. The state treats very old expirations as a break in your driving record and requires you to prove your identity with original documents.
In-person renewal at a DPS office: required if your license expired more than two years ago
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. You do not need an appointment. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the $45 fee, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office's equipment. Most offices issue licenses the same day.
If your license expired more than two years ago, bring original documents: your birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and two proofs of current Texas residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days). The DPS treats this as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal, so the requirements are stricter.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch. Use the DPS office locator on their website to find the nearest office and confirm hours before you go. Wait times vary widely; some offices have a line out the door at 8 a.m., while others have short waits mid-afternoon on weekdays.
What documents you need: depends on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person
| Renewal Method | License Status | Documents Needed | Time to Receive New License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current or expired less than 2 years | Driver's license number and date of birth only | 2–3 weeks |
| Current or expired less than 2 years | Completed form, check or money order | 3–4 weeks | |
| In person | Current or expired less than 2 years | Expired license, proof of residency | Same day or 1–2 weeks by mail |
| In person | Expired more than 2 years | Birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or tax return, two proofs of residency, expired license | Same day or 1–2 weeks by mail |
Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency even though it has your address on it.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, the DPS updates it during renewal without extra paperwork.
Medical conditions and license restrictions: what to report during renewal
During renewal, you will answer questions about your health. If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive — vision problems, seizures, heart conditions, or medication side effects — you must report it. The DPS may place restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or hand controls required) or may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor.
If you do not report a condition and are later in an accident or stopped by police, you could face liability issues or criminal charges. The DPS shares information with your insurance company, so failing to disclose can also void your coverage. If you are unsure whether to report something, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and ask.
Renewing before your birthday: the one-year window
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want your new license to arrive before you leave, or if you want to avoid a rush near your birthday. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, just eight years from the date you renew.
If you renew online or by mail, check the calendar: two to three weeks of processing plus mail delivery means you should start the process at least a month before you need the license. If you are renewing in person, you can do it the same day, so you have more flexibility.
What happens if you drive on an expired license in Texas
Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The penalty is usually a fine of $100 to $200 and a warning, but if your license has been expired for more than a year, the officer may impound your vehicle. If you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance may deny your claim.
If you are stopped and your license expired within the last 30 days, you may be able to show the officer that you have already renewed it online or by mail and are waiting for the new one to arrive. Bring proof: a confirmation email from the DPS website or a receipt from mailing your renewal form. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead. If you still have a Texas address (such as a family member's home), you can renew by mail or online, but you should not do this if you are no longer a resident, as it is considered fraud.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
A lost or stolen license is not the same as an expired one. You must replace it rather than renew it. Go to a DPS office with proof of identity and residency, pay a $20 replacement fee, and get a new license the same day. You can also request a replacement by mail, but it takes longer.
Do I have to renew in person if I am over 85?
No. If you are 85 or older, your license expires every two years instead of eight, but you can still renew online or by mail if it is not expired or expired less than two years. The fee is $25 instead of $45. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
How do I change my address without renewing my license?
You can change your address online through the DPS website without renewing your license. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready and is free. You do not have to wait until your license expires.
What if the DPS website says I cannot renew online?
The system may block online renewal if your license has been expired more than two years, if you have an active suspension or revocation, or if there is a flag on your record. Call 1-888-589-6789 to find out why and what to do next. You may need to renew in person or resolve another issue first.