Texas Driver's License Renewal Guide
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the fines for driving without a valid license. If your expiration date is approaching, it's time to renew. Even if you don't use your license, you should keep track of when it expires. If you let it lapse for an extended period, you will have to apply for a new one. That means paying for and retaking all of the required tests.
Renewal of a driver's license is on par with paying taxes and standing in a never-ending line at the post office for many Texans. However, if you understand the fundamentals of license renewal ahead of time, it appears to be less of a hassle when you receive that dreaded notice in the mail.
Texas Driver's License Validity
Did you know that your age determines the length of time your Texas driver's license is valid? If you are under 18 when you obtain your license, it will expire on your 18th birthday. Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are between 18 and 84. However, once you reach the age of 85, you must begin renewing your license every two years.
Renewing Your Driver's License
If your license has expired, you have two years to renew it. You are free to choose your preferred method of renewal. In the meantime, you cannot drive with your expired license. Depending on your driving history, the penalty ranges from a fine to actual jail time if you are caught doing so. If you do not renew your license within two years of its expiration, you will have to reapply for one and retake all of the required tests.
If your license is suspended, it cannot be renewed and must instead be reinstated. If you've misplaced your license, it's been stolen or damaged; you can request a replacement. If you record your license number and audit number, you can still renew a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
Online
Online renewal is the most convenient option, but it is not available to all drivers.
Qualification
To renew your Texas driver's license online, you must meet the following requirements:
- You renewed in person the previous time.
- Your current license is no more than two years old.
- You're over 18 and don't have a learner's permit.
- Your vision or health has not changed since your last renewal.
- You are a citizen of the United States and have a Social Security number on file with the DMV.
- Your driver's license is either Class C, M, or CM.
- You have your most recent Texas driver's license or its number.
- Your license has not been suspended or revoked, and you have no outstanding traffic fines.
Process
You can renew your license on the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements. To renew a Texas driver's license online, you'll need four things:
- Your current driver's license (the audit number on the card is required).
- Your social security number's last four digits.
- For the temporary license, provide an email address or a printer.
- The renewal fee will be paid with a credit card.
The first step is to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, driver's license audit number, and the last four digits of your social security number. This will take you to the website to choose the renewal service and pay the fee. You can print your temporary license as soon as the transaction is complete. Your driver's license card will be mailed to you and should arrive within 2-4 weeks.
By Phone
You can also renew your Texas driver's license over the phone by dialing
1-866-DL RENEW and entering the same information you used for online renewals. You will require:
- Your current driver's license (the audit number on the card is required).
- Your social security number's last four digits.
- The renewal fee will be paid with a credit card.
A series of questions will be posted to you. The system will then ask if your information is the same as before. If nothing has changed, proceed with providing your information and paying the fee. When the transaction is complete, you will be given a confirmation number, which you must keep for your records.
By Mail
Renewal by mail is only available to those who have received written notice that they are eligible. The best part about this method is that it does not require additional checks or document gathering. The Renewal Office already has all the required information if you received this notice. All you have to do is fill out the written form on the notice and return it to the address on the notice. The only disadvantage is that once the letter is sent, you must wait for it to arrive and then wait for everything to be mailed back to you, making this the slowest method.
You can also renew your Texas driver's license over the phone or online using the information in the renewal notice.
In-Person
Some people are ineligible to renew their driver's licenses online, by phone, or by mail. In this case, you must renew your license at a Texas DMV office or substation. You will need to do the following during your office visit:
- Fill out a renewal application for your Texas driver's license.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, as well as a Social Security number, are required.
- Pass a vision exam
- Have your picture taken.
- Make a thumbprint
- Pay the annual renewal fee.
By visiting the Texas DMV website before visiting an office, you may be able to take place in line ahead of time or schedule an appointment for a specific time. This can save you a lot of time at the DMV.
Driver's License For Military Personnel
Active duty military personnel, spouses, and dependents have their licenses automatically renewed. Those who want to renew their licenses can do so by mail from out of state if the license is due to expire within two years or has expired for no more than two years. A license that has expired more than two years can be renewed only if it expired while you were on active duty or within 90 days of being discharged. To do so, you must:
- Fill out a DL-14A application.
- Send a color photocopy of your military ID's front and back.
- Sign your name in black ink on a regular piece of paper.
- Include a photocopy of your expired driver's license.
Renewal Fees
Like other aspects of Texas license renewal law, your renewal fee is determined by your age. Drivers under the age of 18 can enjoy a low renewal fee of $6. Drivers aged 18 to 84 will pay $25, while those aged 85 and up will pay only $9. For license renewal, cash, credit card, check, and money order are all acceptable forms of payment.
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