Out-of-State License Renewal In Texas

Renewal of a driver's license is necessary that no one wants to do but that everyone has to do. However, because driving with an expired license can result in fines and penalties, it is best to act quickly. In Texas, anyone who operates a motor vehicle must have a valid driver's license. Suppose the individual's home country has reciprocity with the United States. In that case, a person between the ages of 18 and 75 who possesses a valid out-of-country driver's license may drive a private, non-commercial motor vehicle in Texas for up to one year from entry into the United States.

When To Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Every driver's license card has an expiration date on the front. This date appears directly beneath your license class and immediately above the issued date in Texas. Texans can renew their license up to two years before and after it expires. In addition, you should receive a notice in the mail informing you that your license is about to expire.

Eligibility For Out-of-State License Renewal

  • Individuals who meet the following requirements may renew their license through the out-of-state/country desk.
  • The applicant/applicant/applicant/applicant/applicant/applicant
  • Unless active duty military, the card will expire in less than a year and has not expired for more than two years.
  • Is between the ages of 18 and 79;
  • Is not renewing or replacing a commercial driver or occupational license;
  • Is not a sex offender subject to the registration requirements of Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62;
  • The driver's vision, physical or mental condition has not changed so that it impairs their ability to operate a motor vehicle.
  • The individual's license is not currently suspended, revoked, or canceled, and there are no outstanding warrants or traffic tickets (check your driver eligibility status);
  • The driver's record does not reflect an administrative or card status due to driving ability or a medical condition requiring periodic review, including any medical or physical condition that may impair the licensee's ability to operate a motor vehicle.
  • Is a United States citizen;
  • The Department has your social security number on file; and
  • Does not currently hold a restricted driver's license.

The Renewal Process

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you must submit the following information and completed forms to the Department for processing to renew your driver's license or identification card:
  • A packet sent from out-of-state or out-of-country
  • Fill out the enclosed application (DL-14A)
  • The address field contains the Texas address from your driver's license or identification card.
  • The mailing address field contains your current mailing address to which you want your card mailed.
  • Evidence of Texas Residency
  • Social Security Number Verification
  • An examination by an eye specialist
  • The applicable renewal fee
If you are renewing a non-commercial Class A or B driver's license, you must also include a completed Exemption Certification. You will be required to submit additional documentation if you change your name as part of your renewal request. More information on name change requirements can be found below. Send the completed forms and requested documents to the following address, along with a check or money order made payable to Texas DPS: Texas Department of Public Safety PO Box 149008 Austin, TX 78714-9008 If you are currently living out of state and need to change your address or replace a lost or stolen driver's license or identification card, please complete and submit the following:
  • An out-of-state application
  • Proof of Texas Residency
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • The appropriate replacement fee
Send the completed forms and requested documents to the following address, along with a check or money order made payable to Texas DPS: Texas Department of Public Safety PO Box 149008 Austin, TX 78714-9008 If you are in the military and want an out-of-state address on the front of your card, you must also send a color copy of your military ID or most recent orders.

For Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member, spouse, or dependent stationed outside of Texas, the expiration date of your Texas driver's license or identification card is automatically extended unless it has been suspended, canceled, or revoked. If your driver's license or identification card has not expired or has not been expired for more than two years, and you want to renew it, please follow the Out-of-State Renewal instructions. Active duty members of the United States military and members of the United States military who have been separated for less than 90 days can renew their driver's license or ID card that has been expired for more than two years by mailing the following:
  • A completed application for a Texas driver's license or identification card (DL-14A).
  • If available, a photocopy of your expired driver's license or identification card.
  • A color photocopy of your Military Identification Card, front and back. When presenting your Military Identification Card to a governmental entity, federal law allows you to copy it.
  • Your standard signature in black ink on a blank piece of paper
  • A copy of your birth certificate that has been certified
It is not illegal to give another government entity a copy of a military ID. To keep an expired driver's license valid, please keep your military ID card and Texas driver's license with you while operating a motor vehicle. It should be noted that renewing an expired driver's license or ID card by mail is only available to active duty or recently discharged military personnel. Family members are not permitted to renew a driver's license or ID card that has been inactive for more than two years by mail. Furthermore, only active-duty military personnel and those discharged within the previous 90 days and spouses and dependents are eligible to renew a driver's license or identification card that has expired for more than two years. After the Department receives the request, a new driver's license or ID card will be mailed within 45 days.

Out-Of-State License In Name Change

In addition to the requirements outlined above, if you want to change your name, you must include the following documentation with your request:
  • Documentation proving your name change. If the document is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Copies are acceptable; originals should not be sent.
  • Your standard signature in black ink on a blank piece of white paper
If you are changing your name as a result of a marriage, one of the following documents is acceptable:
  • Marriage license
  • Divorce decree
  • Annulment
  • Department of State Health Services marriage verification letter
If your name change is not related to marriage, one of the following documents will suffice:
  • Certified court order
  • Amended birth certificate