Is it time to renew your Texas driver’s license? We know that every process at the DMV is different, so it can be confusing. However, you don’t have to worry because we’ve compiled all the information you need in this handy guide.
When to renew your Texas driver’s license?
Currently, Texas has extended its expiration period to decrease wait times at its DMV offices. Instead of six years, your Texas driver’s license will be valid for up to 8 years, expiring on your birthday.
In Texas, it is possible to renew two years before or after the expiration date. If you do not renew your driver’s license within two years of its expiration date, you will have to retake the written and road test exams to obtain a new license.
Are you 85 years of age or older? If so, you will need to renew your Texas DPS driver’s license every two years.
Is there a grace period for expired driver’s licenses?
There is no grace period in Texas. So if you are caught driving without a license, you could face fines and/or possibly jail time.
What documents do you need to renew your Texas driver’s license?
For those who are not yet 18 years old, the renewal of the permit must be done in person. In addition, the following documents must be presented.
- A Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form with stamp or signature. Computer generated signatures are valid.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Most recent report card with attendance record.
- If you are upgrading your learner’s license to a provisional license, you must provide proof of completion of a Texas-approved driver education program.
If you are a driver 79 years of age or older, you may only be able to renew your driver’s license in person at a DPS office. You will also have to pass the vision test. A licensing and renewal specialist will review your medical history and determine the option of additional testing.
How to renew your Texas driver’s license?
The DPS office allows you to renew your driver’s license in several ways. If you received an invitation, you can renew online, by phone or by mail. However, if you did not receive one, you will need to renew in person at a local office in your county.
The different options are explained below.
Renewal in person
Renewing your driver’s license in person at the Texas DPS is the most common option for drivers. This is especially true for those who have a DPS office near their place of residence.
If you plan to renew your driver’s license in person, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Make sure you are eligible to renew your license. You cannot renew if you have outstanding warrants or tickets on your record, or if your license is suspended or revoked.
- Fill out the application form.
- Schedule an appointment at your local DPS office.
- Submit your application form, proof of identity, social security number, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
- Pass the eye exam.
- If you are over 79 or have a physical or mental condition, you may be required to take additional written and driving tests.
- Have a photograph taken.
- Pay the license renewal fee.
- If the location does not print on site, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days. Your new license will arrive in the mail within that time frame.
Online renewal
Renewing your driver’s license online is probably the easiest option for those whose license expiration date is near. You will need to have your driver’s license, a printer or email address, a valid credit card and the last four digits of your SSN on hand.
- Go to https://www.dps.texas.gov/.
Select the “Online Services” option.
Pay the required fee by debit or credit card with Mastercard, Visa, Discover or American Express logo.
You will be able to print the receipt and temporary paper license. The paper license is valid for 60 days.
It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for your driver’s license to be delivered. If you are unable to print the paper license immediately, you can have it emailed to you. You MUST print the paper license for it to be valid.
Renewal by phone
If you would like to renew your license by phone, you can call 1-866-DL RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to get started. You will need your current license, a valid credit card and the last four digits of your SSN handy.
Please note that if you renew by phone, you will NOT receive a temporary paper license. If you plan to drive, be sure to renew at least one month before your license expires. This will give you plenty of time to receive your new permit in the mail.
Renewal by mail
In Texas, renewal by mail is possible if you receive an invitation to do so. If you live out of state, but your permanent address is in Texas, you can renew by mail. You can find the eligibility requirements and process on the dps.texas.gov website for out-of-state residents.
- When renewing by mail you will need to complete everything in the instructions and mail the package to the address on your invitation.
- You will not receive a temporary paper license with this method.
In the event you wish to drive for the duration of the renewal, be sure to renew 4-6 weeks in advance to allow enough time for your license to arrive in the mail.
What are the requirements to renew your license in Texas?
In Texas, you may renew your driver’s license remotely if you meet the following conditions:
- You renewed your driver’s license in person at a driver’s license office last time.
- You have a Class C, M, or CM driver license. You cannot renew a Class A, Class B, or commercial driver’s license online.
- Your driver’s license expires in less than two years or has been expired for less than two years.
- You are at least 18 years old and your driver’s license has full privileges.
- You are under 79 years of age.
- Your visual, physical and mental conditions have not changed in a way that affects your ability to drive safely since your last renewal.
- Your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have no outstanding warrants or unpaid fines.
- Your Social Security number is already on file.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
How much does it cost to renew your license in Texas?
Texas driver’s license renewal fees vary according to the data provided by the DPS. Here are the most common ones that might apply to you.
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 84: $33
- If you are between 18 and 84 with a motorcycle: $44
- If you are 85 or older: $9
- Disabled veteran (60%): Free
That’s all you need to know to renew your Texas driver’s license. We advise you to renew your driver’s license months before the expiration date, this way you will be able to complete the process without hassle and you will not have any inconveniences when driving.