Renewing your driver’s license is one of those jobs that no one loves to do, but everyone needs to do. However, it’s crucial to renew it quickly because driving with an expired license might earn you hefty penalties. If you don’t do your Texas driver’s license renewal on time, the same will happen.
You can renew your Texas driver’s license without returning to Texas if you live outside of the state, but your permanent residence is in Texas. If your license is about to expire, it’s time to renew it. Even if you don’t use your driving license, you should keep track of the expiry date. If you wait for it to expire, you will have to apply for a new one.
How can you process your Texas driver’s license renewal? How much does it cost to renew a driver’s license in Texas? Find out!
How early can I renew my driver’s license in Texas?
Texas residents can renew their driver’s license up to two years before or after it expires. You should also receive a mail informing you that your license will expire.
So, how can you know your license expiration date? On the front of every driver’s license card is an expiration date. You can find the expiration date under your license class and above the issued date in Texas.
What is needed to renew the Texas driver’s license?
You have to submit a valid document for the following for Texas driver’s license renewal.
- Your identity proof
- Social Security Number (SSN) proof
- For non-citizens, produce proof of US citizenship or current lawful presence
- Proof of your name change
How to renew your Texas driver’s license
These are the various ways of renewing a driver’s license in Texas.
- Via online
- Over the phone
- By mail
- In-person
How to renew a driver’s license in Texas via online or phone
You can renew your Texas driver’s license online or over the phone if you meet the following criteria.
- Your last renewed your license in person at a Texas driver’s license office
- You are not renewing a commercial license with a hazardous materials endorsement
- Your license has already expired or will expire in less than two years
- You hold a provisional driver’s license and will be 18 in 30 days
- Your age is under 79
- Since your last renewal, your vision, physical health, and mental health have not altered to affect your driving ability
- You’re a citizen of the United States
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) is on record
- Ensure your medical certificate is current and on record if you need to renew a commercial license
Details required to complete the renewal process upon meeting the criteria
- Your most recent driver’s license and the card’s audit number
- An e-mail address or printer for your temporary driving license and payment receipt
- A credit card number for paying the renewal fee
- Last four digits of your SSN
To renew your Texas driver’s license online, visit the official Texas online driver’s portal. In addition, you can contact 866-357-3639 if you’re doing the renewal over the phone.
How to renew a driver’s license in Texas via mail
You’ll most likely receive an invitation if you’re qualified for mail renewal. If not, you can still renew by mail if you match the following criteria.
- You live in Texas but are out of state owing to military duty, studies, or working temporarily elsewhere
- Your license has already expired or will expire in less than two years
- Your age is between 18 and 78
- Since your last renewal, your vision, physical health, and mental health have not altered to affect your driving ability
- You are not renewing or replacing a learner’s provisional, occupational, or commercial license
- You’re a US citizen
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) is on file
- Your license isn’t suspended, canceled, or revoked. Also, you don’t have any warrants or outstanding traffic violations
- Your driving record, including medical or physical issues affecting your driving, doesn’t need regular evaluation.
- You fulfill the requirements of Texas residency
Details required to submit for completing the renewal process
- An out-of-country or out-of-state packet
- A filled application
- Proof of Texas residency
- Social Security Number proof
- An eye checkup by a specialist
- The proper renewal cost, payable to Texas DPS by cheque or money order
You can send the filed form and payment to the Texas Department of Public Safety, PO Box 149008, Austin, TX 78714-9008.
How to renew a driver’s license in-person
Suppose you don’t qualify to renew your driver’s license online, by phone, or by mail. In that case, you’ll need to make an appointment and go to your local driver’s license office. You will have to produce the following.
- A completed renewal application form
- Citizenship proof or proof of a lawful presence
- Your SSN
- A legal ID
Once you’re present for your Texas driver’s license renewal, you need to provide your signature for the license and get fingerprinted. You also need to have your photo taken, pay the application fee, and pass a vision exam.
How long does it take to renew a driver’s license in Texas?
You should receive your new driver’s license in the mail l in 2-3weeks. But it might take longer to reach you. If you renewed your Texas driver’s license online, ensure to print your temporary license. You can use it for 60 days. Then, you can track your license on the DPS website for 72 hours after completing the payment.
How much to renew a Texas driver’s license?
Normally, it costs you $33 for a Texas driver’s license renewal. However, the cost of driver’s license renewal in Texas varies based on the license type. You can get the details of renewal fees via the Texas Department of Public Safety’s official website.
Is there a grace period for Texas driver’s license renewal?
No. There is no grace period for license renewal in Texas. You might face fines of up to $200 and perhaps jail time if caught driving without a license.
How to do Texas driver’s license renewal on expiry
If your license has expired, you will get two years to renew it. After that, you are free to choose your preferred mode of renewal. But, you won’t be able to drive with your expired license. You’ll face penalties ranging from a fine to actual jail time if you get caught driving without a license based on your driving history. Suppose you don’t renew your driver’s license within two years of its expiration date. In that case, you should reapply for one and retake all of the required examinations.
How to do Texas driver’s license renewal if suspended
You can’t drive legally if your driver’s license got suspended or revoked. You can’t renew your license until your driving rights get restored. In addition, paying up any outstanding parking citations, retaking a driver’s test, and other disciplinary actions may be required, depending on the disciplinary action taken. You can use the Texas government’s official website to find out if you’re unsure if your license is qualified for renewal. You can also pay any fine on the website, making you eligible for renewal right away in some situations.
How to do Texas driver’s license renewal if it gets stolen, lost, or damaged
You can apply for a replacement driver’s license in person or online if yours has been stolen, lost, or is too damaged to use. To apply online, go to the Texas government’s website and fill out the following fields:
- Your driving license number
- The audit number on your most current driver’s license
- Your SSN’s last four digits
- Your birth date
Don’t have access to the audit number? Then you can provide your full legal name, the full address on your most recent license, and answer four security questions. You need to apply for a replacement license if you don’t have all the relevant information. It will cost you around $11 to replace the license. If you believe your driver’s license has been stolen or lost, you should report it to the police to suspend it. You will avoid the risk of identity theft and other malicious usage.
Lost your Texas driver’s license? Here’s what to do!
How to do Texas driver’s license renewal if you’re a non-citizen
Non-US citizens can only renew their licenses in person. They need to produce a current document establishing their legal status.
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