Officer Diaz didn’t even finish his sentence before the driver cut in: “I thought there was still a grace period.” There isn’t.
The pandemic-era breaks that once let Americans drive on expired licenses have now vanished. From coast to coast, DMVs are reminding drivers that “expired” means just that.
How this all started
When lockdowns closed state offices in 2020, governors issued executive orders suspending penalties and citations. At its height, 34 states paused enforcement for up to a year. Texas led with a broad waiver covering any license that expired after March 13, 2020. That ended on April 14, 2021.
The federal public health emergency ended in 2023. DMV counters fully reopened, and on May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security activated Real ID enforcement at airports. With federal deadlines in place and long lines returning, lawmakers see no reason to extend leniency further.
What the law says now
Driving on an expired license means driving unlicensed. Penalties vary—from $50 in Maine to $300 in California, and up to $500 plus jail time in Georgia. Insurance companies may also reject claims if the driver wasn’t properly licensed at the time of an accident.
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In this tighter landscape, North Carolina introduced House Bill 821. It proposes extending Class C license validity by two years—within state borders only—until December 31, 2027. It passed the House Rules Committee on May 13 but still needs full legislative approval and the governor’s signature.
So far, no other state has proposed a similar measure.
The backlog, in numbers
Each year, about 14 million U.S. licenses expire. In 2021, pandemic closures caused roughly 22 million delayed renewals. By spring 2025, that figure dropped below 3 million as DMVs expanded hours, opened mobile sites, and pushed online services.
“We’re handling 20% more online renewals than pre-pandemic,” says California DMV spokeswoman Anita Gore. Eight in 10 eligible drivers in California now use web renewal. North Carolina has also extended hours and opened offices on Saturdays, but spokesperson Marty Homan says appointment slots “still vanish fast.”
Skip the risk
Ignoring renewal deadlines can escalate quickly. Many states add reinstatement fees after six months, and insurers may drop coverage for unlicensed drivers. Without a Real ID, you can’t board domestic flights at TSA checkpoints.
To stay ahead:
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Check your expiration date—most licenses expire on your birthday.
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Renew online if eligible. Forty-two states offer this, and some skip the photo.
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Gather documents: Social Security proof, two addresses, plus birth certificate or passport.
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Book early. Urban offices fill fast; rural ones may have immediate openings.
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Military, seniors, or out-of-state? Many DMVs can mail you a temporary card if requested early.
Grace periods are unlikely to return. Agencies are focused on digitizing IDs and expanding kiosks, not reinstating waivers. Even Rep. Jay Adams, sponsor of North Carolina’s HB 821, says it’s “a patch, not a fix.” If lawmakers choose modernization funding instead, the bill may stall in the Senate.
If your license is expired, expect any officer to write you up. Don’t be among the millions who learn that lesson the hard way this summer.