Documents Required for Texas Driver's License Renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online — and whether your name, address, or other information has changed since your last renewal.
Texas allows most people to renew online or by mail if their license is not expired by more than two years and they have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If you must renew in person, you will need to visit a DPS driver's license office with the documents listed below.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, plus one document proving your identity and one proving your current address.
- If your name has changed since your last license, you need a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Online and mail renewals are available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical holds or certain traffic violations on your record.
- The DPS website shows which documents count as proof of identity and proof of residency; not all documents in each category are accepted.
- If you renew in person, bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
Proof of Identity Documents Accepted by Texas DPS
Texas DPS accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. Your current Texas driver's license or ID card counts as proof of identity, so if you are renewing an expired license, bring it with you. If you do not have it, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Some documents that people assume will work — such as a Social Security card, school ID, or work badge — are not accepted as proof of identity on their own. Check the current list on the DPS website before you gather your documents, because the accepted list can change.
Proof of Residency: What Documents Work
You need one document showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work if they show your name and address and are dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government check also counts if it is current.
If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at your new address, bring two documents that together show your move — for example, a utility bill from your old address plus a lease at your new address. The DPS website lists all accepted residency documents; bring the original or a certified copy.
Name Change Documents You Must Bring
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that changed it. For a marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order, bring a certified copy of that order.
You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the event was recorded — usually the county where you were married or divorced, or the county courthouse that issued the order. Some counties mail certified copies for a small fee; others require you to pick them up in person. Call ahead to ask about their process and cost.
Documents for Online and Mail Renewal
If you renew online through the DPS website, you do not need to bring physical documents to an office. Instead, you will upload images of your proof of identity and proof of residency during the online process. Make sure the images are clear and show all four corners of the document.
Mail renewal works the same way — you send photocopies or scans of your identity and residency documents to the DPS address listed on their renewal form. You will also need to include your current license or ID card, or a certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not have your current card. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal, usually four to six weeks.
When You Must Renew in Person
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical suspension on your record, or if you have certain traffic violations or criminal convictions. You also must renew in person if you want to change your address, add or remove a restriction, or update your photograph.
If you are renewing in person, bring your current license or ID card, one proof of identity document, and one proof of residency document. If your name has changed, bring the certified copy of the document that changed it. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity and residency documents at the office.
What to Do If You Lost Your Current License
If you have lost your current Texas driver's license and cannot bring it to your renewal appointment, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate instead. This counts as proof of identity and replaces the requirement to show your current card. You will still need proof of residency and, if your name has changed, the certified document that changed it.
If you lost your license and want to report it, you can do that during your renewal appointment. The DPS will note it in their system. You do not need to file a separate report before you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses expired two years or less. Bring your documents to a DPS office and be prepared to retake your photograph and possibly your vision test.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my license?
No, a Social Security card is not accepted as proof of identity by Texas DPS. Bring your current license, a U.S. passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate instead. You will need to show your Social Security number during the renewal process, but the card itself is not required.
What if my proof of residency document is older than 60 days?
Documents showing your address must be dated within 60 days of your renewal appointment. If your utility bill or lease is older than that, bring a second document — such as a recent bank statement or insurance policy — that shows your current address and is more recent. Two documents together can satisfy the residency requirement.
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate for in-person renewal?
No, you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not accepted. You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born; most states mail them for a fee.
Do I need to bring documents if I renew online?
You do not bring physical documents to an office, but you will upload clear images of your identity and residency documents during the online renewal process. Make sure the images show all four corners of each document and are readable. Keep your documents in case DPS asks you to submit them again.