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When to Renew Your TX Driver's License. Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday. The number of years it is valid for depends on your age. Under 18 years old: Valid until you turn 18 years old. 18 to 84 years old: Valid for 6 years. 85 years old and older: Valid for 2 years. If you're new to Texas, you have 90 days from the time you moved to the state to obtain your Texas driver's license. After that, your out-of-state or out-of-country license will no longer be valid for use in TX. Before the end of the 90-day grace period, new residents must apply for a Texas license in person at a driver license office. Persons 18 years of age and older with valid, unexpired driver licenses from other states, or from France, Germany, South Korea, or Taiwan, are not required to take the Texas knowledge or skills tests.
Find out where your state stands.2017-01-03
Updated 10/4/2017
As if traveling wasn’t already complicated enough, a federal mandate is imposing new requirements on state driver’s licenses and ID cards for use in air travel.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting identification from states that are not compliant with certain security standards. Federal minimum security requirements include verifying every ID applicant’s identity, putting anti-counterfeit technology into the production of the card and conducting background checks on the people issuing the driver’s licenses.
While states have been working towards compliance for years, in some cases the process was slowed by the required passage or repeal of certain laws.
Currently, 26 states plus Washington D.C. are compliant with the rules. The remaining states have been given extensions to meet the standards. The deadline for compliance is currently Oct. 10, 2017, but DHS announced Oct. 3 that it’ll be granting a grace period from enforcement until January 22, 2018.
If you plan to fly after January 22, 2018, but live in a state that won’t be deemed compliant by then, your best bet is to stay tuned to your DMV or local transportation authority for updates. It’s highly likely that additional extensions will be granted before then.
(However if you want to be extra-safe, you could apply for or ensure you have an updated passport.)
Other acceptable forms of documentation for travel include a military ID, DHS trusted traveler card and permanent resident card. See the full list of accepted documents.
Entrance To Federal Facilities Also Affected
Unless your state becomes compliant or receives an extension, IDs from non-compliant states will not be accepted for entry into federal facilities, nuclear power plants or military bases as of January 22, 2018. While this deadline may also shift in the coming months, it’s a very good idea to contact the federal facility you plan to visit in order to learn what documentation they require.
The following states and territories are working toward compliance. Some of the states on the list will be deemed compliant soon, while others are working to receive additional extensions that would provide them more time to reach compliance.
If you are wondering about what to expect come January 22, 2018, we are providing you with the latest information available from each state. It would be well-advised to check back in with your state DMV or transportation authority for updates.
Residents from all states should have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card as of October 1, 2020, which is being called the “drop dead” date for all state ID processes to be in compliance.
Many states are offering residents a choice between compliant and non-compliant IDs.
Alaska
According to the Alaska DMV, the state will issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards starting January 1, 2019. The state has applied for an extension with Homeland Security as it works towards this date. The status of that extension is pending. As of the time of publication, because of the grace period, Alaska residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
It’s that the state will receive an additional extension that’ll keep residents covered until 2019, but that is to be determined.
American Samoa
American Samoa has an extension through October 10, 2017. It’s unclear if a request for an additional extension has been filed.
Because of the DHS grace period, Am. Samoa residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Residents should contact their transportation authority for more details.
California
California will begin issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards in January 2018, which will be the final step in reaching compliance for the state.
Based on this, the only deadline residents will need to keep in mind is October 1, 2020, which is when all residents will need a REAL ID-compliant card in order to fly commercially.
Visit the DMV site for more details.
Guam
Guam has an extension through October 10, 2017. It’s unclear if a request for an additional extension has been filed.
Because of the grace period, residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Contact the Guam Motor Vehicle Division for more details.
Idaho
Idaho expects to be deemed in compliance in January 2018, which is when the state will begin issuing compliant IDs, according to Jake Melder with the Idaho Transportation Department.
Based on this, the only deadline residents will need to keep in mind is October 1, 2020, which is when all residents will need a REAL ID-compliant card in order to fly commercially. Idaho residents will be given the option of receiving a REAL ID-compliant license—called a Star Card—or opting out and choosing to use another form of approved ID for air travel or to access federal facilities.
Residents can learn more by visiting the ITD website.
Illinois
Illinois expects to come into compliance in October 2018. The state has applied for an extension from DHS until that date. The status of that extension is pending.
Because of the grace period, Illinois residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
It’s likely that the state will receive an additional extension that’ll keep residents covered until October 2018, but that is to be determined.
Residents should refer to the Secretary of State website for further information.
Kentucky
Kentucky expects to be compliant by January 1, 2019. The state has applied for an extension beyond the existing extension that ends October 10, 2017. The status of that extension is pending.
Because of the grace period, Kentucky residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
It’s likely that the state will receive an additional extension that’ll keep residents covered until the state reaches compliance, but that is to be determined.
The state says it will be launching a public education campaign about the updated IDs in 2018.
Residents should refer to the Drive Kentucky website for more details.
Louisiana
Louisiana residents looking to fly after January 22, 2018, should have nothing to worry about. For starters, the state’s been issuing REAL ID-compliant identification since October 2016. And beyond that, the state is just waiting for DHS to approve the final piece of documentation the state needs to be deemed fully compliant, so there’s no further action the state needs to make at this time in order to be in compliant.
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, Karen St. Germain, said the state should be officially marked as compliant within the next several months.
Residents will be given the choice to receive a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant driver’s license or state ID, as in several other states. REAL ID-compliant identification will be required for all air travel as of October 1, 2020.
Visit the OMV website for more details.
Maine
Maine expects to be REAL ID compliant by July 2019, and the state expects to receive an extension beyond the one that expires October 10, 2017.
As of the time of publication, because of the grace period, Maine residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for more information and updates on an additional extension.
Massachusetts
According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles:
“The RMV anticipates being able to begin issuing REAL IDs in April 2018. Until that time, the RMV will seek extensions from the Department of Homeland Security so our credentials will remain acceptable for federal identification.” Titans pc game.
In other words, Massachusetts travelers should have nothing to worry about, but it’s a good idea to stay tuned to the RMV website for updates.
Michigan
Michigan began offering REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses on October 1, 2017, so it’s likely just a matter of time before the state is officially deemed compliant.
Michigan residents who want to fly with a driver’s license will need to upgrade to the the REAL-ID compliant driver’s license by October 1, 2020.
Minnesota
Minnesota has filed for an extension that would bring the state to REAL ID compliance by October 2018. While the request is pending, the Star-Tribune reports that the extension is likely to be granted.
This means Minnesota residents should likely not have to worry about the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Stay tuned to the Driver and Vehicle Services division for more information.
Missouri
Missouri expects to roll out REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses starting in March 2019. The state’s filed for an extension in order to ensure residents can travel with non-compliant IDs until then. The request is pending but likely to be approved.
Stay tuned to the Missouri Department of Revenue website for updates.
Montana
Montana expects to start issuing REAL ID compliant licenses by early 2019 at the latest, according to KTVH. The state has requested an extension past the October 10, 2017 deadline, and the outcome of that request is pending.
Residents should stay tuned to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division for updates.
Northern Marianas
Northern Marianas has an extension through October 10, 2017. It’s unclear if a request for an additional extension has been filed.
Because of the DHS grace period, residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Residents should contact their transportation authority for more details.
New Hampshire
REAL ID-compliant licenses are already being offered in New Hampshire, so it’s like the state will get an additional extension beyond October 10, 2017 and residents won’t need to worry about flying with non-compliant IDs until 2020.
Residents should stay tuned to the DMV for more details.
New Jersey
New Jersey expects to be in compliance by the end of 2017, according to NJ.com. That would mean that New Jersey travelers likely won’t need to worry about the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Stay tuned to the Motor Vehicle Commission for updates.
New York
New York will start issuing Real ID-compliant identification starting October 30, 2017, so it’s unlikely New York travelers will need to worry about the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Stay tuned to the DMV for more details.
North Carolina
Though the state hasn’t yet been deemed fully compliant, North Carolina began issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses in May 2017. It’s unlikely that North Carolina travelers will be affected by the January 22, 2018 deadline.
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Stay tuned to the DOT for more details.
North Dakota
According to MyNDNow, the state plans to start issuing REAL-ID compliant identification in the spring of 2018. It’s unclear if the state has filed for any extension or the status of that extension, but it’s unlikely that travelers from North Dakota would be affected by the January 22, 2018 deadline since the compliant ID process is soon-to-happen.
Stay tuned to the DOT for more details.
Oklahoma
While it could be a couple years before Oklahoma starts issuing REAL ID-compliant identification, the state is working towards compliance and has filed for an extension beyond the October 10, 2017 deadline.
Because of the grace period, Oklahoma residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
It’s likely that the state will receive an additional extension that’ll keep residents covered until the state is compliant, but that is to be determined.
Residents should stay tuned to the DPS website for updates.
Oregon
While Oregon is not likely to have compliant ID cards ready until July 2020, the state expects to continue receiving extensions that will ensure Oregonians can travel with non-compliant IDs while the state works towards compliance.
Stay tuned to the DOT for updates.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania expects to offer REAL ID-compliant licenses by 2019, but the state has filed for an extension to ensure residents won’t be affected by the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Stay tuned to the DOT website for updates.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has already begun issuing compliant IDs, however the state is still not deemed fully compliant. It’s unclear if the territory has filed for additional extensions (the government clearly has other priorities after Hurricane Maria).
Because of the DHS grace period, residents without a compliant ID will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Puerto Rico residents should contact their transportation authority for more details.
Rhode Island
While the state is working to meet REAL ID compliance, it’s unclear when the state expects to become fully compliant and whether it’s filed for an extension beyond October 10, 2017.
Because of the grace period, Rhode Island residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Tx License Renewal Grace PeriodSouth Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website:
“SCDMV is working with DHS on further extensions, while at the same time, working towards certification to issue REAL ID licenses and IDs. The SCDMV anticipates receiving an additional extension that will carry the state through October 2018. The SCDMV and State of South Carolina anticipate being fully compliant and issuing REAL ID licenses and IDs during the first-quarter of 2018.”
Because the state’s filed for an additional extension and “anticipates” receiving it, South Carolina residents probably don’t have to worry about the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Stay tuned to the DMV site for updates.
Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands territory has an extension through October 10, 2017. It’s unclear if a request for an additional extension has been filed.
Because of the DHS grace period, residents will at minimum be safe to use their licenses and ID cards for travel until January 22, 2018.
Residents should contact their transportation authority for more details.
Virginia
Virginia plans to offer compliant IDs in October 2018, so it’s likely the state has filed for a DHS extension until then.
Virginia residents should stay tuned to the DMV to confirm, but it’s unlikely they’ll be affected by the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Washington
Washington already offers, but does not mandate, REAL ID-compliant identification, however the state needs more time to become fully compliant, according to KOMO News. The state has applied for a DSH extension until October 2018, so it’s unlikely residents will be affected by the January 22, 2018 deadline.
Residents should stay tuned to the DOL for updates.
The following states (plus D.C.) are already compliant:
Residents from these states should stay cognizant of the October 1, 2020 deadline. Make sure you get a compliant ID from your state before then if you plan to use that as your primary documentation when flying.
RELATED:This Helpful Visual Shows How Legroom On Most Major Airlines Stacks Up
Stay tuned to the TSA website for updates on your state’s status and if you want to be extra-safe, you can get started applying for or renewing your passport!
Tags:air traveldrivers licenseflightflyingidpassporttravelTSA
You can renew your license after it expires. The amount of time in which you can do so varies by state, but the process is similar. Your state's motor vehicle department may give you a temporary license while you wait for the real one. It may take up to 10 business days to receive it in the mail.
Valid Period
The period of validity for a driver's license varies by state and ranges from four years in New Jersey to eight years in Virginia. Typically, you may renew yours from a few months to a year in advance of the expiration date. You may also renew after it expires, but you can't legally drive until the license is valid again. The process depends on the amount of time elapsed between the expiration and renewal dates. Many states offer a grace period of one to three years in which you can renew without repercussion. If you have missed the grace period, you would have to apply for a new license and retake the vision, written and driving skills test.
The Renewal Process
Most states allow drivers to renew by mail and in person, but some also offer phone and online options. However, when your license expires you must visit a department office. In most cases this is because the department requires a vision test and a new picture. Complete an application for a driver's license and select the option to renew. Provide two forms of identification, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, and proof of your legal presence in the U.S, if required. These include your U.S. passport, permanent residence card and naturalization documents. Take the vision test and a new picture and pay the processing fee.
Grace Period Of Expired Texas Driver LicenseRenewing While Out of State
You can renew your expired license by mail if you are out of the state or the country when it expires. In most cases, renewing this way involves writing to the regulating department with an explanation for your inability to do it in person. Include a completed renewal application, copies of two forms of identification, a check or money order for the processing fee, your current address and your address in the state and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the renewed license. Contact your state's regulating department or visit the website for specific instructions on the process.
Extending Your Renewal Date
If you are working outside the country for the U.S. government, you might be eligible for an extension when your license expires. Eligible parties include members of the military on active duty, civilian employees or contractors, members of the diplomatic office, and the spouses and dependents of each. The department will extend your driver's license past the due date until several weeks or months after your return, and it will issue documents or a card showing the extension, which you must carry with your license. The application requirements vary by state. Contact your state's regulating department to find out how you may apply.
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