We’ve all been there: Whether it’s your vehicle’s registration renewal, scheduled repair service or a re-up on your driver’s license, it’s tempting to delay appointments related to vehicle services. But when it comes to your driver’s license, is it illegal to drive in Texas with an expired one? And if so, what happens if you’re caught in Texas without a valid license?
Here in the Lone Star State, the rules are very clear: A valid driver’s license is required for anyone operating a vehicle in Texas, and getting caught driving without one could land you in a variety of legal and financial situations, according to Central Texas’ AZ Law Firm. The firm’s legal experts confirmed drivers can receive a Driving While License Invalid (DWLI) citation under the following scenarios:
DWLI citations typically translate to a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, AZ Law Firm wrote, but noted certain situations can elevate the misdemeanor status to a Class B or Class A offense. The possibility of an escalated offense can happen due to the driver having a previous conviction of driving with an invalid license, as well as driving with a previous conviction for driving with a suspended license.
First-time DWLI offenders will be hit with a Class C misdemeanor and not face the possibility of arrest, AZ Law Firm said. That changes, though, if the reason behind the driver’s expired license is due to a suspension, outstanding traffic citations or a warrant out for their arrest.
Potential consequences for driving with an expired license in Texas include the Texas Department of Public Safety issuing an automatic suspension of the driver’s license; the possibility of enhanced charges in the future should the driver commit the same offense down the road; and punitive surcharges.
Texans are eligible to renew their driver’s license up to two years before or after it expires, so long as it isn’t a commercial driver’s license (CDL). CDLs are only eligible for renewal up to one year before it expires, per the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas driver’s licenses can be renewed online or via phone if the person renewed their license in person during the previous renewal period. Other factors that permit an online or phone-based renewal include:
Those who receive a mail-in renewal form can complete all the instructions on the documents and submit them for renewal. Those ineligible to renew online or via phone or mail can visit their local driver’s license office with the required documents needed to provide proof of their citizenship or lawful presence, identity and other mandated steps behind the renewal process.
Documents needed for those identification requirements are outlined here.