Bring these documents to renew your Texas driver's license

Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew in person. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing by mail, online, or at a DPS office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which means you may not need to gather physical documents at all — but if you do renew in person, you'll need to show originals, not copies.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category. Bringing the wrong document wastes a trip. This guide walks through what counts as valid proof for each step, which renewal method requires what, and what to do if you don't have a standard document.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal requires no documents if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file with DPS.
  • Mail renewal needs your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and payment — no identity or residency documents required.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, one proof of identity, and one proof of residency (originals only, not copies).
  • Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or consular ID; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days.
  • If your license is expired more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.

Online renewal: no documents needed

If your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file with the Texas DPS, you can renew online at the DPS website without gathering any documents. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person because there is no service fee — you pay only the license fee.

Online renewal is available if you meet all of these conditions: your license expires within 60 days or has been expired less than two years, you have no address changes since your last renewal, you have no medical or vision restrictions that have changed, and you were not required to take a written test at your last renewal. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: current license and form only

Renewing by mail requires your current driver's license, a completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver's License), and payment. You do not need to send proof of identity or residency — DPS already has that information on file. Mail the documents to the address listed on the DPS website for your region.

Mail renewal takes about three to four weeks from the date DPS receives your package. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or has been expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal: identity and residency documents

Renewing at a DPS office requires your current driver's license, one document proving your identity, and one document proving your current address. All documents must be originals — DPS will not accept copies, faxes, or photos. Bring the documents in person; you cannot mail them in place of visiting an office.

The appointment system at DPS offices fills up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. Schedule your appointment online at the DPS website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait several hours. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

Documents that count as proof of identity

Texas DPS accepts the following as proof of identity for in-person renewal: a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate (with a raised seal), a valid military ID card, a valid consular ID card issued by a foreign government, or a valid tribal ID card. The document must show your full name and date of birth.

A birth certificate must be certified and include a raised seal — a plain photocopy or a certificate without a seal will not work. If you do not have a birth certificate with a seal, order one from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.

Documents that count as proof of residency

Texas DPS accepts the following as proof of residency: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within 90 days, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or benefit statement. The document must show your current name and current address.

The document must be dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment. If you recently moved, bring a document showing your new address. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with a copy of the bill itself. The letter must confirm that you live at that address.

What to do if you don't have standard documents

If you do not have a birth certificate with a raised seal, you can use a valid U.S. passport or military ID instead. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or the person whose name is on the utility bill, plus a copy of the bill or lease. DPS also accepts a government check or benefit statement (such as Social Security or unemployment) as proof of residency.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must have a raised seal. If you do not have the original, you can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office or the court that issued it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired more than two years. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of identity and residency. You may also need to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long it has been since your last renewal.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No, your Social Security card is not required for renewal. DPS already has your Social Security number on file from your original license process. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) instead.

What if my address on my current license is wrong?

If your address is incorrect, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your current address. You cannot fix an address error by mail or online. Bring a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within 90 days that shows your correct address.

Can I renew online if my license is expired?

You can renew online only if your license is not expired or has been expired less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. If it expired less than two years ago but you want to renew now, you can use online or mail renewal instead.

Do I need to bring my old license to renew in person?

Yes, bring your current driver's license to the DPS office. DPS will keep it and issue you a new one. If your license is lost or stolen, tell the DPS officer when you arrive — they can still process your renewal, but you may need to pay an additional fee for a replacement.