Texas Driver's License Expiration Information

The Texas Department of Public Safety allows drivers to renew their licenses up to one year before they expire, but you can still renew up to two years after the expiration date. The department offers several renewal options. At the time of publication, the renewal fee is about $30.

Expiration Date

Texas state driver's licenses are valid for six years and expire on your birthday. If you are unable to renew by this date, you can do so up to two years after, but you can't drive until you do. Licenses that have been expired for longer than two years cannot be renewed. In such a case, you must apply for a license like a new applicant, which involves taking vision, written and driving skills tests.

Ways to Renew

You can renew your license in Texas by phone, online or mail or in person. To renew online or by phone, you must meet the following conditions:

• Have a class C or CM license.
• Be a U.S. citizen aged 18 through 78.
• Have a Social Security number.
• Have stable vision, mental and physical conditions -- that is, unchanged since your last renewal.
• Renewed your license in person last time.

Requirements to Renew

To renew your license, you need the following:

• Current license.
• Credit card.
• Last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Fee payment.

If you are not eligible to renew by telephone, online or mail, you must renew in person at your local DPS office.

In-Person Renewal

Minors

Those who must renew their licenses in person include minors under 18 years and minors with provisional licenses. The provisional license is for teenagers under the age of 18 who have had a learner's permit for six months. Minors must show a Verification of Enrollment form, high school diploma or GED.

Drivers With Limited-Term Licenses

If you have a limited-term license, you must show proof of your legal residence. When you renew in person, you complete an application form, have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee and possibly take a vision test.

Renewing While Out of State

Contact the department to renew your expired license if you are a permanent Texas resident but currently reside out of state, such as being on active military duty or away at school. Download and complete the out-of-state or out-of-country form from the DPS website and send it with a check or money order to: Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 149008, Austin, TX 78714-9008. If you did not renew in person last time, include an Explanation for Eye Specialist form, which you can download from the website.