Normally, renewing a driver’s license in Texas is a fairly straightforward process. Even if your license has been expired for a while, most licenses and ID cards in Texas can still be renewed up to two years after they expire. Within this time frame, you can renew in person or by mail without re-taking the written or driving test. If more than two years have passed, you may be required to take additional steps.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License
According to the Department of Public Safety, you can actually renew your Texas driver license or ID card in many ways, including:
- online
- by phone
- by mail
- in person at a DPS office
Besides being over 2 years past the expiration date, you may also be required to take additional steps if you:
- have a provisional license (are under 18 years old)
- are 79 years of age or older
- limited-term DL
- are currently living outside of Texas
Additionally, members of the military in active duty that are currently stationed outside of Texas get an extra 90 days after being discharged to renew their licenses.
What You Need to Renew Your Texas License or Identification Card
There are several documents you will need to renew your Texas license or ID card to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. In order to renew your license, the following are needed:
- Completed DL-43 application
- Current identification
- Current or expired (within two years) Driver’s License or ID card
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
- Foreign passport with attached visa and form I-94
- Unexpired U.S. military ID card for active duty, rseerve, or retired with identifiable photo
- Full List of Identification Documents Here
- US citizenship/Proof of Lawful Residence
- Applicable Fee(s)
If your license has been damaged or stolen, you can request a replacement as long as you have a record of the license number and adult number.
What If I Have a Warrant Out?
In Texas, failing to appear for a citation (Failure to Appear/Failure to Pay Program) or failing to pay a fine can result in being denied renewing your license. In many cases, this can be solved with a fairly simple process.
You should directly contact the court if you have failed to appear for a citation or failed to pay a fine. By calling the court, you can:
- Confirm the total cost owed in fines and fees
- Establish whether or not a court appearance is required
- Request a trial in order to establish payment or contest charges
If you have violations at more than one court, you must contact each court to settle your charges before being able to renew your license.
If you want to check your license eligibility status, Texas DPS has a License Eligibility Page to do so.
Reinstating License After DWI/DUI
It’s slightly more complicated if your license has been suspended. In this case, you cannot simply renew your license. You will need to have your license reinstated. Generally, your license will e suspended after you are charged with a DWI or DUI in Texas.
Most people must go through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Program after being charged with a driving offense involving alcohol. This program suspends an individual’s license after they are arrested for a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Boating While Intoxicated (BWI). Under the ALR Program, an individual’s license is suspended after they are arrested for DWI or BWI and:
- Refused a breath or blood test to register blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Give a breath or blood test with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more
- Give a breath or blood test with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or more while driving a commercial vehicle
In some circumstances, it may be possible to request a hearing to contest the suspension of your license, but the request must be made within 15 days of being served notice.Otherwise, your license will be suspended and you will need begin the process of getting it reinstated.
The License Eligibility webpage also provides information on necessary steps to reinstate your driver’s license (including unpaid fees and fines) in situations involving DWI. After your mandatory suspension period is over and all fines or other compliance measures are paid, the driver eligibility status will return to “eligible.”
Thank you for reading the legal news blog of The Law Office of Gabriella Young. Contacting an experienced attorney right when you are charged is incredibly important for the wellbeing of your case. We are an Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County criminal defense firm experienced in DWI and license reinstatement cases, and our jail release assistance is available 24/7. We are dedicated to our clients and their futures, and will handle your case with compassion and dedication!