Bring these documents when you renew in person

Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number when you renew at a DPS office. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing by mail, online, or in person — and whether your license is still valid or expired.

For an in-person renewal, you'll need one document from the identity list, one from the residency list, and you must provide your Social Security number (either verbally or on the process). You cannot use the same document for both identity and residency — they must be two separate pieces of paper.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one form of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number for an in-person renewal.
  • Mail and online renewals have stricter document rules and are only available if your license is valid and you meet other conditions — you cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired or suspended.
  • Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment.
  • If you've changed your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that changed it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • Bring your current driver's license or ID card to your appointment, even if it's expired.

Identity documents Texas will accept

You must bring one of these to prove who you are. It must be valid (not expired) unless otherwise noted. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID card are the strongest forms of identity because they're federal documents.

Texas also accepts a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you're renewing and your current driver's license or ID card is still valid, you can use it as your identity document — but bring it anyway because you'll need to surrender it.

If you were born outside the U.S. and don't have a passport or green card, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. State Department works. Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are also accepted.

Proof of residency documents Texas will accept

Your proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days before your appointment. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. You can also use a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowners insurance policy.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and medical bills with your name and address work too. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill. The letter must state that you live there and include both of your names.

Government documents like a voter registration card, a property deed, or a vehicle registration also count. You cannot use a post office box as your address — it must be a physical residential address.

What to bring if you've changed your name

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption decree. The document must be certified by the issuing agency — a photocopy won't work.

If you were married and took your spouse's name, the certified marriage certificate is enough. If you've been divorced and changed your name back, bring the certified divorce decree. If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified court order.

Rules for mail and online renewals

Mail and online renewals have stricter rules because you're not appearing in person. You can only renew by mail or online if your license is valid (not expired or suspended), you're between 18 and 84 years old, and you haven't had certain violations in the past five years.

For mail renewal, you'll fill out an process form and mail it to DPS with a copy of your proof of residency. You don't mail your identity documents — DPS will verify your identity using records they already have. For online renewal through the Texas DPS website, you'll answer security questions based on your driving record and provide your proof of residency information.

If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use mail or online renewal.

What happens at your appointment

Bring your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. Bring your current license or ID card even if it's expired. You'll also need to bring your Social Security number; if you don't have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it.

At the DPS office, staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the process. They'll tell you when your new license will arrive by mail — standard processing usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can pay for expedited service at the time of your appointment.

Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they don't get lost. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Documents you don't need to bring

You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any documents related to your vehicle. You don't need a Social Security card — you can just tell the DPS staff your number. You don't need to bring a copy of your birth certificate if you have a passport; one identity document is enough.

You don't need to bring documents proving you paid traffic tickets or court fines, even if you had violations. DPS will check your driving record on their own system. If there's a hold on your license because of unpaid fines or child support, you'll find that out at your appointment, and you may not be able to renew until it's resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license is expired. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: one identity document, one proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a Permanent Resident Card (green card), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or a military ID. If you don't have any of these, contact the DPS office before your appointment — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation.

Can I use an electric bill that's in my roommate's name?

Yes, if your roommate signs a letter stating you live there. The letter must include both names and be dated within 90 days of your appointment. Bring the signed letter and a copy of the utility bill together.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to my appointment?

No. You can just tell the DPS staff your Social Security number. If you don't know it by heart, bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or any document that shows your number.

What if my address on my proof of residency doesn't match my current address?

Your proof of residency must show your current Texas address. If your utility bill or lease shows an old address, bring a newer bill or document dated within 90 days. If you just moved and don't have a new bill yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement with your current address will work.