What does driving while license invalid mean in Texas?
Asked by: Davin Pagac | Last update: November 2, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (12 votes)
If you drive a motor vehicle while your driver license is suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled you are driving while your license is invalid (DWLI).
What is driving while license invalid in Texas?
A Departmental DWLI suspension occurs when you are convicted of an offense or involved in a crash while your driver license is suspended, revoked, denied or cancelled.
What does it mean when your driver's license is invalid?
When a person commits certain traffic or legal offenses, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can revoke or suspend their driver's license. This means that their license is invalid, and the driver can no longer legally operate a vehicle.
How much is a driving while license invalid ticket in Texas?
Penalties for Driving While License Invalid in Texas
Driving While License Invalid or Driving While License Suspended is considered a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. If convicted, you face possible jail time of 72 hours to 6 months plus a fine in the range of $100-$500.
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Texas?
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Texas? Yes, in certain circumstances, such as repeat offenses or causing an accident resulting in serious injury or death, an unlicensed driver in Texas can face jail time of up to one year.
Can you go to jail for no driver’s license in Texas?
How much is a ticket for driving without a license in Texas?
If someone drives without a license in Texas, they could face fines of up to $200 for a first offense. Penalties increase with repeat offenses. Violators could have their car impounded or even face jail time.
How long can I drive with an expired license in Texas?
In Texas, there is ZERO “grace period” after your license expires. Your license is invalid for all uses the next day. Since - in Texas - your “Expiration Date” is also (usually) your birthday, all you have to remember is the year.
What happens if you get pulled over with a suspended license in Texas?
For a first offense, driving on a suspended license is considered a Class C misdemeanor. Offenders may face fines of up to $500 and potential community service. While it may seem less severe, multiple violations can quickly escalate the situation.
What happens if you drive without a license and get into an accident in Texas?
If you cause an accident while driving without a license in Texas, the police will likely issue a citation for the violation while investigating the crash scene. But the criminal penalties you may face for driving without a license do not necessarily protect you from civil liability if you cause a crash.
What happens if you get pulled over with an expired license in Texas?
For instance, in Texas, driving with an expired driver's license can result in a fine of up to $200 for a first or second offense, according to Mendoza Law. It's not just about whether you can prove your ability to drive; it's about the rules of the road and the responsibility that comes with that privilege.
What is an invalid licence?
An “invalid license” error means you need to upgrade your license to work with that version of the software. For example, if you are a SoftRAID 6 user, you will have to obtain a SoftRAID 7 serial number to use this new version.
What does "inactive driver's license" mean?
Inactive license means a license that has expired because it was not renewed by the end of the grace period. The category of “inactive license” may include licenses formerly known as lapsed, inactive, delinquent, closed, or retired.
What does it mean to have a suspended license in Texas?
REASONS FOR A TEXAS DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION. Having your driver's license suspended, canceled or revoked means that you can no longer legally drive a motor vehicle. The privilege can be discontinued for a specific period of time, or worse, indefinitely.
How do I check if my driver's license is valid in Texas?
Check Online
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers an online system that allows you to check your driver license status. You can access the system by visiting the DPS website and clicking on the “Driver License” tab. To check your status, you will need to enter your driver license number and date of birth.
Does valid mean my license is suspended?
This is when your driver's license is in force as opposed to having expired, been suspended or revoked.
Can an insurance company suspend your license in Texas?
The insurance company cannot suspend your license. However, they can ask the State to do so if you have been in a wreck that was your fault and you had no insurance. You can contest the suspension and you can also make arrangements to pay the loss on your own.
Will insurance cover an unlicensed driver in Texas?
The driver may be excluded from the owner's liability policy. Or otherwise not covered by insurance. If they are not the vehicle owner and are using the car with permission, they might be covered by the car owner's liability coverage.
What happens to an unlicensed driver?
In California, unlicensed drivers face a misdemeanor charge and imprisonment between five days and six months for the first offense. For subsequent offenses, violators face between ten days and one year behind bars.
Can you go to jail for driving without insurance in Texas?
Can you go to jail for no insurance in Texas? While jail is not a penalty for no insurance in Texas, you face hefty fines. You also become subject to financial responsibility laws. If you're charged with failing to file proof of financial responsibility, then you could face jail time.
Is driving while license invalid with previous conviction in Texas?
Driving while license invalid is commonly a Class C misdemeanor, but the crime can be a Class B misdemeanor if the alleged offender has been previously convicted of driving while license invalid or operation of motor vehicle in violation of suspension under Texas Transportation Code § 601.371(a), or at the time of the ...
Can a cop tell if my license is suspended?
The officer will only be able to see the driver's driving record. So, if someone drives your car and a cop runs your plates, your driving record will not pop up showing that your license is suspended. However, if the driver does not have a valid license, they may be cited or arrested.
Is driving without a license a felony in Texas?
You will most likely receive a ticket for a moving violation and can be charged with a misdemeanor crime. You can face fines of up to $200 if it's your first infraction, and more, if you are a repeat offender. If it's your third conviction for the same offense, you could be fined up to $500 and spend 6 months in jail.
How many people drive without a license?
About 9% of adult Americans don't have a valid driver's license but it's a guess how many of that group actually drive without a license. The age groups with the highest percentage without a driver's license are 19 years old and under (60.5%), 85 and older (30.9%) and 20 to 24 (19.0%).
Is a suspended license the same as an expired license?
Driving with an expired driver's license is not the same as driving while license suspended (DWLS). A suspended license means that, for some reason, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has taken away your driving privilege.
Do I have to retake driving test if license expires in Texas?
If you pass the two-year mark, you will need to apply for a brand new license. You'll also need to pass the written and driving tests again. If you find yourself need to retake a driver's education course, we make it super easy, affordable, and convenient with our 100% online, state-approved course!