Expired out-of-state license? Under two years it still transfers to Texas. Past two, you start over

Where is the two-year line for an expired out-of-state license?

Two years past the expiry date, per DPS. The statute exempts anyone holding “a valid driver’s license issued by another state”, and DPS is more specific in practice, and more generous:

“Age 18 and Older: If you hold a valid out-of-state driver license or license not expired over two years you are exempt from the knowledge and skills exams, as well as the ITD and adult driver education requirements.”

— Texas DPS, Moving to Texas

The clause that matters is “or license not expired over two years.” Inside two years, an expired card still gets the transfer treatment: no knowledge test, no skills test, no driver education. Outside it, none of that carries over.

Do you need drivers ed if it expired more than two years ago?

Only if you are 18 through 24; the knowledge and skills tests apply at any age.

• Expired within two years, any adult age. Treated as a transfer. Surrender the card, pay the $33 fee, take the vision test.
• Expired more than two years ago, and you are 18 through 24. New applicant. Six-hour adult driver education course, knowledge test, skills test, Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) video.
• Expired more than two years ago, and you are 25 or older. New applicant, but no driver education requirement. The tests and the video still apply.

How do you know which side of the line you are on?

Measure from the expiry date printed on the card, not from the last time you drove. Find the license before you plan around either answer. If you cannot find it, the issuing state can give you a driving record or a replacement, and DPS needs to see the license to accept it as the basis for a transfer.

Common questions