Texas Motorcycle License Renewal Process

Is your Texas driver's license about to expire, or has it already expired? That means you'll have to go through the renewal process. But what exactly will you have to do? We understand that the process and the various options can be perplexing. However, there is no need to be concerned. Here's everything you need to know about renewing your license, from the various options to the costs.

Motorcycle License Validity

In Texas, each type of license is valid for six years. This includes your M1 license. The expiration date is your birthday, and the DMV should notify you in advance via mail. Adding a motorcycle license to your existing driver's license, on the other hand, will expire at the same time as your DL. That could imply that it will not last as long as your Class C. Suppose you obtain your M1 while under the age of 18. It will expire along with your driver's license on your 18th birthday. As a result, you will be required to pay fees to renew both your C and M1 licenses. Texas extended the expiration period to combat the ever-increasing wait times for your license. A Texas driver's license is valid for up to eight years instead of six, and it expires on your birthday. It can be renewed for another two years, either before or after expiration. If you do not renew your license within two years of its expiration date, you will be required to retake the written and driving exams to obtain a new one. If you are 85 or older, you must renew your license in person every two years at the Texas DPS.

Special Renewal Requirements

Age 79 and Above

If you are 79 or older, you must renew your driver's license at a DPS office. A vision test is required. The licensing and renewal specialist will review your medical history responses to determine whether additional testing is required.

Under 18

If you are under 18, you must renew in person. You must also bring one of the following documents:
  • A form for verifying enrollment (VOE) with a stamp or signature. Computer-generated signatures are permitted,
  • GED or high school diploma
  • The most recent report card with attendance data.
You must also bring proof of completion of a state-approved driver's ed program if you upgrade your learner's license to a provisional one.

The Motorcycle License Renewal Process

You can renew your license with the Texas DPS in various ways. You can renew your invitation online, by phone, or by mail if you have received one. If not, you must renew in person at your nearest DPS office.

Requirements

If you meet the following criteria, you can renew your driver's license remotely in Texas:
  • You previously renewed your driver's license at a driver's license office.
  • You have a driver's license in Class C, M, or CM. A Class A, Class B, or commercial driver's license cannot be renewed online.
  • Your driver's license is either about to expire or has expired for less than two years.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and have full driving privileges on your driver's license.
  • You are under the age of 79.
  • Since your last renewal, your vision, physical, and mental conditions have not changed in a way that jeopardizes your ability to drive safely.
  • You do not have a suspended or revoked license, and you do not have any outstanding warrants or unpaid tickets.
  • Your Social Security Number has already been recorded.
  • You are a citizen of the United States.
  • To verify your identity, you can provide the audit number from your card or answer security questions.

Online

Drivers must meet the following eligibility requirements to use the online driver's license renewal tool or renew remotely by phone:
  • Recently renewed their license in person (TX drivers can only renew their license online once every two renewal terms).
  • Have a valid license that will expire no later than one year from the renewal date.
  • Not have a license that has been expired for more than two years.
  • You have no outstanding warrants or traffic citations.
  • There have been no new medical conditions that could impair their driving ability since their last renewal.
  • You live in Texas.
  • Their Social Security Number must be on file with the DPS.
Drivers who want to renew their Commercial Driver's License must do so in person. Those who meet the previously mentioned conditions may complete the renewal process by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety website or calling 1-866-357-3639. Drivers must also provide their date of birth, audit number, last four digits of their Social Security number, and Texas driver's license number.

In-Person

If you intend to renew your driver's license in person at a DPS office near you, you must first complete the following steps:
  • Check to see if you are eligible to renew your license. If you have outstanding warrants or fines on your record, or if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Schedule an appointment at your nearest DPS office.
  • Bring your application form, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence with you.
  • Pass the Vision Examination
  • You may be required to take additional written and to-drive tests if you are over the age of 79 or have any physical or mental conditions that could impair your ability to drive safely.
  • Please provide thumbprints.
  • Have a photograph taken
  • Pay the applicable fees.
If the location does not print on-site, you will be issued a temporary paper license good for 60 days. Within that time frame, your new license will be mailed to you.

By Mail

Drivers who renew by mail must meet the same criteria as those who renew by phone or online. To renew a license by mail, applicants must submit the following documents:
  • A copy of your Social Security card.
  • Form DL63 is used for class C licenses, and Form CDL-2 is used for class A or B non-commercial driver's licenses.
  • For those who are currently out of state or out of the country, a scan card (LI 50) is available.
  • Make a check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety for the required driver's license renewal fee, calculated based on the age listed above.
  • After that, the completed forms and documents should be mailed to:
Texas Department of Public Safety P.O. Box 15999 Austin, TX 78761-5999 The new license should arrive within four to six weeks.

By Phone

To renew by phone, dial 1-866-DL RENEW (1-866-357-3639). You must have your current driver's license, a valid credit card, and the last four digits of your SSN on hand. You will NOT receive a temporary paper license if you renew by phone. Renew at least a month before your license expires if you intend to drive. This will give you plenty of time for your new license to arrive in the mail.

License Renewal Fees

Current license renewal fees are age-based and are as follows:
  • Under the age of 18, there is a $6 license renewal fee.
  • Between 18 and 84, the license renewal fee is $25.
  • 85-year-olds and up – $9 license renewal fee.