
Is your Texas driver’s license renewal period coming up? We know that the process and the different options can be confusing. However, there is no need to worry. We’ve compiled all the necessary information in this handy guide!
On June 1, 2020, Texas extended its expiration period to combat ever-growing wait times for your license. Instead of six years, a Texas driver’s license is valid for up to eight years, and it expires on your birthday.
It can be renewed two years before or after the expiration date. If you do not renew your license within two years of it expiring, you will have to retake the written and driving exams to get a new one.
If you are 85 or older, you will need to renew your license in-person at the Texas DPS every two years.
Texas doesn’t have a grace period. If you are caught driving without a license, you can face up to $200 in fines and potential jail time.
During Covid-19, anyone with a scheduled appointment after April 15, 2021 can use the Contact Us page on the Texas DPS site to submit a request for a temporary license until the date of their appointment. You must state both the date of your appointment and that you are applying for a Temporary License.
If you are a driver age 79 or over, you can only renew your driver’s license in-person at a DPS office. You must pass a vision test. The licensing and renewal specialist will look over your medical history responses to determine if additional testing is necessary.
If you are under 18, you must also renew in person. In addition, you must bring one of the following documents:
If you are upgrading your learner’s license to a provisional license, you also need to bring proof of completion of a state-approved driver’s ed program.
The Texas DPS allows you to renew your license in a number of different ways. If you’ve received an invitation, you can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If not, you’ll have to renew in person at your local DPS office.
We’ll go through all of the different options below.
If you plan to renew your driver’s license in person at a local DPS office, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
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.
In Texas, you can renew your driver’s license remotely if you meet the following conditions:
You’ll 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.
If you’re renewing 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 on hand.
If you renew by phone, you will NOT receive a temporary paper license. If you plan to drive, make sure to renew at least a month before your license expires. This will allow plenty of time for your new license to come in the mail.
You can only renew your Texas driver’s license by mail 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.
If you receive an invitation, you will need to complete everything in the instructions and mail the package to the address of your invitation. You will not receive a temporary paper license with this method. If you plan to drive, make sure to renew 4-6 weeks in advance to allow plenty of time for your license to come in the mail.
The Texas DPS helpfully provides a full list of updated renewal fees for any kind of license. Here are the most common ones that might apply to you:
Note: The renewal fees may change, so be sure to check the updated list on the Texas DPS website.
Starting May 3, 2023, a standard driver’s license will not qualify as your federal ID. The date used to be Oct 1, 2021, however, DHS announced another extension on April 27, 2021.
You need a federal id to enter certain government and military bases. You also need one to board domestic flights! If you need access to these areas, you will either need a REAL-ID or another federally approved id to do so.
That’s everything you need to know about renewing your driver’s license in Texas. If you need help with any renewal exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource to help you refresh the rules of the road in a quick and easy manner.
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