Texas driver's licenses are valid for six or eight years, depending on your age when you get one
A Texas driver's license issued to someone 18 or older is good for eight years from the date it was issued. If you were under 18 when you got your license, it expires after six years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner, so you can check it anytime without guessing.
Your license does not automatically renew. You have to go back to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to get a new one before the old one expires. If you let it expire, you cannot legally drive, and you will need to renew it before you can get back on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver's licenses issued to adults last eight years; licenses issued to minors last six years.
- Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner.
- You can renew your license up to two years before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- If your license expires, you must renew it before you can legally drive again.
- Renewing online or by mail is faster and cheaper than renewing in person if you have not had any traffic violations or medical suspensions.
When your license expires based on your age
The length of your license depends on how old you were when you received it. If you were 18 or older, your license lasts eight years. If you were under 18, your license lasts six years. Once you turn 18, your license does not automatically extend to eight years—you have to renew it to get the longer validity period.
The six-year license for minors is designed to may support that young drivers renew their licenses more frequently, which gives the state a chance to check for any changes in your driving record or medical status. When you renew after turning 18, you will get an eight-year license.
Where to find your expiration date
Your expiration date is always on the front of your Texas driver's license. Look in the bottom right corner of the card—you will see a line that says "Expires" followed by a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. This is the last day your license is valid for driving.
If you cannot find your physical license or want to check your expiration date online, you can log into your account on the Texas DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The website will show you your current license status and expiration date.
How to renew before your license expires
You can renew your Texas driver's license up to two years before it expires. Texas offers three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs less than renewing in person.
To renew online, you must have a valid email address, a Social Security number on file with DPS, and no traffic violations, medical suspensions, or other restrictions on your record in the past five years. If you meet these requirements, you can renew on the Texas DPS website in about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by filling out an process form and mailing it to the DPS address listed on their website, along with your current license and the renewal fee. By-mail renewal takes about two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card. In-person renewal costs more than online or mail renewal.
What happens if your license expires
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine, even if your license expired just one day ago. If you are pulled over, you will be cited for driving with an expired license.
To get back on the road, you must renew your license before you drive. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may not be able to renew by mail or online—you will have to renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test or road test depending on how long it has been expired.
Renewing after a long gap
If your license has been expired for a very long time—typically more than two years—Texas may require you to retake the written knowledge test, the road test, or both before issuing a new license. The exact requirement depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have had any violations or suspensions during that time.
To find out what you need to do, contact your local DPS office or visit the Texas DPS website. It is much easier to renew before your license expires than to deal with retesting after a long gap, so mark your expiration date on your calendar and start the renewal process a few months before it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?
No. Once your license expires, even by one day, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation. You must renew your license before you get behind the wheel again.
What if I renew online but my new license has not arrived yet?
Once you renew online, you can print a temporary license from the Texas DPS website that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail. You can use this temporary license to drive legally during that time.
Do I have to renew in person, or can I do it by mail or online?
You can renew by mail or online if you have no traffic violations, medical suspensions, or other restrictions on your record in the past five years. If you have any of these issues, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What if I moved to a different state—does my Texas license still expire on the same date?
Your Texas license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you move out of state. However, once it expires, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew a Texas license if you no longer live in Texas.
How much does it cost to renew my Texas driver's license?
The cost varies depending on how you renew. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. The exact fee depends on whether you are renewing for six or eight years and whether you are getting a Real ID-compliant license. Check the Texas DPS website for current fees.