Texas drivers who have an expired driver’s license may not be able to renew their documents, unless it has been less than two years since the expiration date. TX drivers can even renew a license two years after its expiration date by submitting an application packet.
Moving to Texas
The following information applies to individuals who are transferring a valid out of state driver license and/or applying for a new Texas driver license/identification (ID) card. Select the following link for a complete list of requirements and more information on how to apply for a Texas driver license.
Transferring an Out of State Driver License to Texas
New Texas residents can legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
Prior to the end of the 90 day grace period, a new Texas resident must apply for a Texas license in person at any driver license office to continue to drive legally. When applying for the new Texas license the individual must surrender any unexpired driver license in their possession from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or a Canadian province.
For more information on general reciprocal driving provisions, please review the Driving Privilege Reciprocity page.
Adults (18 and Older)
Applicants who have a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, or from Canada must surrender their out of state/country driver license and are not required to take the knowledge or skills exams. Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan only. Applicants who have a valid, unexpired driver license from one of these countries are not required to take the knowledge or skills exams if they surrender their out of country driver license. However, if the applicant does not wish to surrender their out of country driver license, they must take and pass all required exams. The reciprocity only applies to passenger vehicles, not commercial vehicles or motorcycles. Foreign licenses not in English or Spanish will need to have a translation service or their consulate translate the information on the driver license prior to arriving. This translation requirement also applies for marriage licenses.
Applicants who have a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, or from Canada must surrender their out of state/country driver license and are not required to take the knowledge or skills exams. Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan only. Applicants who have a valid, unexpired driver license from one of these countries are not required to take the knowledge or skills exams if they surrender their out of country driver license. However, if the applicant does not wish to surrender their out of country driver license, they must take and pass all required exams. The reciprocity only applies to passenger vehicles, not commercial vehicles or motorcycles. Foreign licenses not in English or Spanish will need to have a translation service or their consulate translate the information on the driver license prior to arriving. This translation requirement also applies for marriage licenses.
Tx Driver's License Expired
Applicants who have a valid, unexpired learner license from another U.S. state or U.S. territory, or Canada, France, South Korea, Germany or Taiwan and are applying for a Texas learner license, do not have to take the knowledge exam. Upon advancing from a learner license to a driver license, individuals must complete the Impact Texas Driver course, pass the skills exam. Individuals under 25 years of age must also complete driver education.
Applicants who have a driver license from any country other Lauren holly. than the U.S., Canada, France, South Korea, Germany or Taiwan must take and pass both the knowledge and skills exams. Select the following link for a complete list of requirements and more information on how to apply for a Texas driver license.
Over 18 moving to Texas will require proof of:
- Identity (a valid out of state license can be used as a supporting document)
- Residency
- Citizenship or lawful presence
- Social security number
- Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration* for each vehicle you own. Registration must be current. Visit Texas DMV vehicle registration for more information. (New Residents who are surrendering an out-of-state driver license only)
- Proof of Insurance* for each vehicle you own
*If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.
Dmv
Skills and knowledge exams are waived for applicants 18 and older that hold a valid out of state driver license, as are the ITD and adult driver education requirements.
Minors (Under 18)
Applicants under 18 who have a valid driver license or valid learner license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or Canadian province do not have to take the knowledge exam. Applicants who surrender a valid license/permit from another state will be issued the equivalent Texas version of the document surrendered (i.e. A Texas learner license for another state's learner license).
Applicants under 18 who have a valid driver license or valid learner license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or Canadian province do not have to take the knowledge exam. Applicants who surrender a valid license/permit from another state will be issued the equivalent Texas version of the document surrendered (i.e. A Texas learner license for another state's learner license).
Applicants under 18 from a country other than the U.S. or Canada are required to take and pass the knowledge exam. This includes France, South Korea, Germany and Taiwan because the reciprocity agreement with these countries does not apply to minors.
Note: Texas law requires that anyone issued a Texas learner license must hold that license for at least six (6) months or until he/she is 18 years of age, whichever is earlier. If a learner license/permit is exchanged for a Texas learner license, it must be held for 6 months. No credit is given for prior months the applicant held their permit from another state.
In addition, to obtain a Texas provisional driver license, applicants under age 18, are required to:
- Complete Driver Education (44 hours behind the wheel instruction);
- Complete the Impact Texas Driver course; and
- Pass a driving skills exam.
All applicants under 18 must take the skills exam even if they hold a valid driver license from another state or country.
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Active Duty and Recently Discharged Military
U.S. military personnel on active duty or individuals recently discharged with an expired driver license from another state may be exempt from the skills exam and knowledge exams.
U.S. military personnel on active duty or individuals recently discharged with an expired driver license from another state may be exempt from the skills exam and knowledge exams.
To qualify for the exemption, applicants:
Georgia Expired License Grace Period
- Must present a valid military ID, and
- Provide proof that the state which issued the driver license has a military extension policy for which the individual qualifies. (The individual must contact the issuing state for correct documents). Visit our webpage on How to apply for a Driver License for a complete list of requirements and more information on how to apply for a Texas driver license.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Applicants who are a member of a force or civilian component of a NATO country and present orders validating their status are exempt from the knowledge and skills exams for the same or lower class of license.
Applicants who are a member of a force or civilian component of a NATO country and present orders validating their status are exempt from the knowledge and skills exams for the same or lower class of license.
Obtaining a Texas Identification (ID) card
New Texas residents who want to apply for a Texas ID card must meet all of the requirements for a Texas ID card, including proof of Texas residency and identification requirements. Select the following link for a complete list of requirements and more information on how to apply for a Texas identification card.
Alabama
Renewal license issued after the expiration of original license does not require examination if renewed within 3 years of expiration.
After original license expires, subsequent renewals are required 4 years from the expiration date of the original license, regardless of when the preceding license is issued. Exception: CDL permits are not renewable.
Renewal notice mailed to each licensee 30 days after expiration date of license, if not yet renewed.
Grace period of 60 days granted after the expiration of license for purpose of renewal, and license is valid during this period.
Renewal of license may occur from 60 days (effective August 1, 2016, 180 days) prior to expiration to 3 years after date; afterwards, applicant required to take and pass examination.
Any valid driver license in the possession of a person on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, their dependents, or any person temporarily out of Alabama at time of license renewal may be eligible to renew by mail, but must have a photo on file taken within the last 8 years. Military personnel may renew up to 60 days prior to the license expiration date. Upon return to the state, the licensee should apply for a duplicate license with photo at the office of the license commissioner.
A valid home state license of military personnel and their dependents is honored while based in state.