Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Expired Driver’s License in Texas: Understanding the Offense and Your Defense
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
Receiving a traffic ticket for an expired driver’s license in Dallas or any surrounding Texas community can be an unexpected hassle. While it might seem like a minor issue, an expired license charge can lead to fines and other complications if not handled correctly. At The Beltz Law Group, we specialize in traffic ticket defense and can help you navigate the process to seek a dismissal for your expired license charge.
The Offense: Driving with an Expired Driver’s License in Texas
In Texas, driving with an expired driver’s license falls under the broader category of operating a vehicle without a valid license. The primary statute governing this is Section 521.021 of the Texas Transportation Code, which generally states that a person may not operate a motor vehicle on a public highway unless the person holds a driver’s license issued under this chapter. An expired license, by definition, is no longer a “valid” license.
While the core offense is clear, the Texas Transportation Code also provides a pathway for dismissal under specific circumstances, as outlined in Section 521.026(b):
Texas Transportation Code Section 521.026(b): A judge may dismiss a charge of driving with an expired license if the defendant remedies this defect within 20 working days or before the defendant’s first court appearance date, whichever is later. The judge may assess the defendant an administrative fee not to exceed $20 when the charge of driving with an expired driver’s license is dismissed under Subsection (a).
Key to Dismissal: Prompt Action and Remedy
As the statute clearly indicates, a dismissal for an expired license charge is not automatic. To obtain the desired outcome of a dismissal, you must take proactive steps:
- Remedy the Defect Immediately: The most crucial step is to renew your driver’s license as soon as possible after receiving the ticket. The law provides a window: you must remedy the defect within 20 working days of the citation or before your first scheduled court appearance, whichever date is later. We strongly advise doing this without delay.
- Provide Proof of Renewal: Once your license is renewed, you will need to provide proof to the court. This typically involves showing your newly issued, valid driver’s license.
Driver License Eligibility Check In Texas
How to Renew Your Texas Driver’s License:
If you have no outstanding suspensions, warrants, or other holds on your license, you can often renew your Texas driver’s license online through the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. This is usually the quickest and most convenient method.
- DPS Driver’s License Renewal Website: https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/
If you are unable to renew online due to a pending issue, or if you prefer to renew in person, you may need to visit a DPS Driver License Office.
How The Beltz Law Group Can Help
Driver License Suspension
While the law provides a path to dismissal, navigating the court system and ensuring all requirements are met can still be challenging. This is where an experienced traffic ticket lawyer from The Beltz Law Group can provide invaluable assistance:
- Guidance on Renewal: We can guide you through the process of renewing your license, ensuring you understand the necessary steps and deadlines.
- Court Representation: We will appear in court on your behalf, presenting the proof of your renewed license to the judge and arguing for the dismissal of your charge. This can save you time, stress, and the need to miss work or other commitments.
- Negotiation of Administrative Fees: While the statute allows for an administrative fee, we can work to ensure it does not exceed the statutory limit of $20 and is properly assessed.
- Addressing Underlying Issues: If there are other complications preventing your license renewal (such as unresolved tickets or suspensions), our attorneys can help identify these issues and develop a strategy to address them, working towards clearing your record.
- Protecting Your Driving Record: Our primary goal is to secure a dismissal, preventing a conviction from appearing on your driving record, which could otherwise lead to increased insurance rates or other negative impacts.
Don’t leave the dismissal of your expired license charge to chance. The Beltz Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
For legal advice regarding your expired driver’s license charge, contact our traffic ticket attorneys today at 214-321-4105.
I was given a citation for driving with an expired license. Expired in June, 2012, and the citation was on August, 7, 2012. I feel that it was a racial profile case. This is from a local small town, called driscoll, texas. The ticket is for $30.00 and I renewed the license that same day.
You definitely may have been. A police officer has to have a reason for pulling you over. Unless the police officer had x-ray vision I don’t see how they could have known you had an expired license. You would have to file a motion to supress in order to obtain a dismissal for this reason. The motion will then be heard by the local judge who may also be on the side of the officer in a small town. Its an uphill battle but it can be done. We do not practice law in Drisoll, Texas. However, there are bound to be many good defense attorneys in that area that can assist you with your issue.