Texas driver's licenses are valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you get one

A standard Texas driver's license issued to someone 18 or older is good for eight years from the date of issue. If you're under 18 when you get your license, it's valid for six years and expires on your birthday in the year it's set to end. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.

Your license doesn't automatically renew. You have to renew it before it expires, and you can do that up to one year before the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's licenses for adults are valid for eight years; licenses issued to people under 18 are valid for six years.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
  • If your license expires, you cannot legally drive until you renew it, even if you're waiting for the new card to arrive in the mail.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal periods and requirements than standard licenses.

How to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your Texas driver's license. In the bottom right corner, you'll see a date labeled "Expires." This is the last day your license is valid. If you can't locate your physical license, you can also check the expiration date through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website by entering your license number and date of birth.

If you've lost your license or it's damaged and you can't read the expiration date, you can request a replacement card. A replacement costs the same as a renewal and takes the same amount of time to arrive.

Renewing before your license expires

Texas allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This gives you a wide window to get it done without rushing. You have three ways to renew: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're renewing a standard license and haven't had any major changes (like a new address or name change). The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready if you bring all required documents, but you'll need to schedule an appointment and wait for your turn.

You'll need to bring or provide proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you're renewing online or by mail, you can use documents you've already submitted to DPS. If you're renewing in person, bring originals or certified copies.

What happens if your license expires

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas or any other state. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, fine, or both. Police can stop you for an expired license just as they would for any other traffic offense.

If you're caught driving with an expired license, the fine varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on how long it's been expired and whether you have other violations on your record. You may also face points on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates.

If your license expired recently and you're waiting for your renewal to arrive, you cannot legally drive. This is true even if you've already submitted your renewal process and have confirmation that it's being processed. The only exception is if you have a temporary paper license issued by DPS, which some offices provide during in-person renewals.

Renewing an expired license

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process is slightly different. You cannot renew an expired license online — you must renew by mail or in person at a DPS office. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.

By mail, an expired license renewal takes two to three weeks. In person, it's faster, but you'll need an appointment and must bring original or certified copies of your identity, residency, and Social Security documents. Some DPS offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive before your new card arrives, but this is not may provide at all locations.

If you've been driving with an expired license, renewing it does not erase the traffic violation. You'll still be responsible for any ticket or fine you received.

Commercial driver's licenses have different renewal periods

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), your renewal period is different from a standard license. A CDL is valid for four years, not six or eight. This shorter period reflects the higher safety and training standards required for commercial driving.

CDL renewals also require a medical examination and certification from a licensed medical examiner. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. You'll need to bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your medical certificate.

Renewing your license by mail or online

Online renewal through the DPS website is available if you're renewing a standard driver's license and meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have had a name change, address change, or other major updates since your last license was issued. The renewal fee is $25 for an eight-year renewal or $16 for a four-year renewal, paid by credit or debit card.

Mail renewal is available for both standard and expired licenses. You'll need to complete an process form (DL-44 or DL-43, depending on whether you're renewing or renewing an expired license), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require an appointment.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is the most thorough option and allows you to update your address, name, or other information on the spot. You'll need to schedule an appointment online or by phone before you go. Bring original or certified copies of your documents, and the new license will be issued when ready, though you'll receive the physical card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires while I'm waiting for the renewal to arrive?

No. You cannot legally drive once your license expires, even if you've submitted a renewal process and are waiting for the new card. If you renewed in person at a DPS office, ask whether they can issue a temporary paper license on the spot — some offices do, but it's not may provide. If you renewed online or by mail, you must wait for the new card to arrive before driving.

What's the difference between a six-year and eight-year license in Texas?

The length depends on your age when you get the license. If you're under 18, your license is valid for six years and expires on your birthday in the expiration year. If you're 18 or older, your license is valid for eight years. Both cost the same to renew.

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

A standard eight-year renewal costs $25. A four-year renewal costs $16. A replacement license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs the same as a renewal. Fees are paid by check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Texas?

No. To renew a Texas driver's license, you must be a Texas resident. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Texas license to the DPS office in your new state, or you can straightforward let it expire.

What do I do if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court that issued it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process.