Documents Required for a Texas Driver's License Renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person — and whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than two years.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Knowing which documents to bring before you go saves a trip back home.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Texas driver's license plus one document proving your identity and one proving your current address in Texas.
- Mail and online renewals work only if your license expired within the last two years; older licenses require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as proof of residency, but a credit card or bank statement does not.
- If your name has changed since your last license, you need a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- DPS accepts documents from all 50 states and U.S. territories, not just Texas documents.
Proof of Identity Documents That DPS Accepts
DPS accepts a wide range of documents as proof of identity. Your current Texas driver's license counts as proof of identity on its own, so you do not need a second identity document if you are renewing the same license. If you are renewing after a name change or if your current license is damaged, bring one of the following:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- U.S. military ID
- State ID card from any state
- Certified birth certificate (with raised seal or embossed)
- Marriage certificate (certified copy)
- Divorce decree (certified copy)
- Court order showing a legal name change
- Certificate of naturalization or permanent resident card (green card)
- Employment authorization document (EAD)
Photocopies do not work — DPS requires original documents or certified copies. If you were born outside the U.S., a certified birth certificate from the country where you were born is acceptable if it is in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Proof of Residency: What DPS Will Accept
You must show that you currently live in Texas. DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. The document must show your name and current Texas address.
Documents that do not count as proof of residency include credit card statements, bank statements, insurance policies, and pay stubs — even if they show your address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at your address can work, though DPS prefers official documents.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your new address, bring a lease or mortgage statement. If you are staying with family and have no documents in your name, ask the homeowner to bring a utility bill or property tax statement in their name plus a notarized statement confirming you live there.
Renewing by Mail: What to Send
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not had a license suspension or denial in Texas during that time. You do not need to bring documents to a DPS office — you mail them to the address on the renewal notice you received.
Send your current license, a copy of your proof of residency (the utility bill or lease), and the completed renewal form. Do not send original identity documents by mail. DPS will return your documents to you, though processing takes four to six weeks. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.
Renewing Online: Document Requirements
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works for the same group as mail renewal — licenses expired fewer than two years ago with no suspension or denial history. You do not bring physical documents to an office, but you will need to upload a photo and answer security questions about your driving history.
Before you start the online process, have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid email address and a phone number where DPS can reach you. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS driver's license office. Bring your current license (or the expired license if you no longer have it), one proof of identity document, and one proof of residency document dated within the last 90 days. You will also have a new photo taken.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies; photocopies will not be accepted at the counter.
Name Changes and Additional Documents
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — not a photocopy. The document must have a raised seal or be certified by the issuing agency.
If you changed your name through marriage, bring the certified marriage certificate. If you changed it through divorce, bring the certified divorce decree. If you changed it through a legal name change petition, bring the certified court order. DPS will not accept a document that is straightforward notarized by a notary public; it must be certified by the government agency that issued it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. DPS will take a new photo and process your renewal the same way as a recently expired license.
What if I lost my current license and do not have it to bring?
Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency instead. DPS can look up your license record using your name and date of birth. You will need to renew in person so they can take a new photo. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to resolve that before renewing.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. DPS does not require your Social Security card as a document. You will provide your Social Security number on the renewal form, but you do not need to show the card itself. Bring the identity and residency documents listed above instead.
Can I use a bank statement as proof of residency?
No. Bank statements, credit card statements, and pay stubs do not count as proof of residency, even if they show your address and are recent. Use a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill instead. These must be dated within the last 90 days.
What if my address on my license is different from my current address?
Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days showing where you live now. DPS will update your address during the renewal. You do not need to change your address separately; it happens as part of the renewal process.