What Documents You Need to Renew Your Texas Driver License

Documents Required for a Texas Driver License Renewal

To renew your Texas driver license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires specific documents — not just any document that shows your name. Which documents you bring depends on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online, and whether your name or address has changed since your last license was issued.

Texas offers three renewal paths: online (for most people), by mail (for certain situations), and in person at a DPS office. Each path has different document requirements. If you renew online or by mail, you typically need fewer documents in hand because DPS can verify your information against existing state records. If you renew in person, you must bring physical documents to prove your identity and where you live.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal requires only your current Texas license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth — no documents to bring.
In-person renewal requires one form of primary ID (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
If your name has changed since your last license, you must bring a certified copy of the document that changed it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Mail renewal is available only if you have not had any address changes in the past two years and meet other specific conditions; you send a completed form and your current license by mail.
DPS will not accept expired documents for proof of residency, and utility bills or bank statements must be dated within 90 days of your visit.

Primary Identity Documents for In-Person Renewal

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you must bring one document that proves who you are. Texas DPS calls this a primary identity document. The accepted primary documents are: a valid U.S. passport, a valid military ID card, a certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy — it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it), or a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Your current Texas driver license or ID card does not count as primary identity for renewal purposes, even though it proves who you are. If your passport or military ID has expired, it still counts as long as it shows your photograph and signature. A certified birth certificate must come from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the vital records office of the state where you were born — a hospital birth certificate or a copy you made yourself will not be accepted.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring two secondary identity documents instead. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, a certified school record, a W-2 form, a bank statement, or a utility bill. Both documents must show your name, and at least one must include your date of birth or age.

Proof of Residency Documents

You must bring one document that shows your current address in Texas. This document must be dated within 90 days of the date you visit the DPS office. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government check (such as a Social Security statement).

The document must show your name and your current Texas address. A utility bill in your spouse's name will not work unless you can also show a marriage certificate. If you have recently moved and have not yet received a bill at your new address, bring a lease or rental agreement instead — these are often dated when you sign them and remain valid even if they are older than 90 days, as long as they show your current address.

Documents that do not count as proof of residency include a driver license (even if it shows your address), a mail piece with your name and address, a student ID, or a library card. DPS will not accept a printed bank statement from online banking unless it is an official statement from the bank itself.

Name Change Documents

If your name has changed since your last Texas driver license was issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change. For marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree (the final court order, not a temporary order). For a legal name change through the court, bring a certified copy of the court order.

Certified copies must come from the court or government office that issued the original document. A photocopy you made yourself, even if notarized, will not be accepted. If you were married or divorced in another state, you can bring a certified copy from that state's vital records office or court. If you have not yet received a certified copy, you can request one from the county clerk's office or vital records office — this usually takes one to two weeks.

Documents for Online Renewal

If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you do not need to bring any documents to an office. Instead, you will enter information into the online form: your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. DPS will verify this information against its records to confirm your identity.

Online renewal is available only if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired by more than two years, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, you have no medical conditions that require a new vision test, and you are not required to take a new photograph. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.

Documents for Mail Renewal

Mail renewal requires you to send your current Texas driver license and a completed renewal form (DL-44) to the DPS by mail. You do not need to include other documents such as proof of residency or identity — DPS will verify your information from your existing license record. However, mail renewal is available only if you have not changed your address in the past two years, your name has not changed, and your license is not expired by more than two years.

You can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request one by mail. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash). Mail your license and form to the address shown on the DPS website. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your materials. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on your current license.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing documents that are expired or outside the 90-day window for proof of residency. A utility bill dated more than 90 days ago will not be accepted, even if you still live at that address and still receive service there. If you have recently moved, bring a lease or rental agreement instead, which does not have the same time limit.

Another frequent error is bringing a photocopy of a birth certificate instead of a certified copy. DPS will reject a photocopy, even if it is notarized. You must request a certified copy from the vital records office. Similarly, if your name has changed, a photocopy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree will not work — you must bring a certified copy from the court or vital records office.

Do not assume your current driver license counts as primary identity for renewal. It does not. You must bring a passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or Green Card. If you do not have any of these, bring two secondary documents instead, and make sure at least one shows your date of birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license if my passport is expired?

Yes. An expired passport still counts as a valid primary identity document for renewal as long as it shows your photograph and signature. The passport itself does not need to be current — only your identity information needs to be correct.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

You can bring two secondary identity documents instead of a primary document. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, a bank statement, a utility bill, or a W-2 form. At least one must show your date of birth or age. You can also request a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the vital records office of the state where you were born.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew in person?

No. You do not need to bring your Social Security card. DPS will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number, which you can provide verbally or on the process form. If you do bring your card, it can count as a secondary identity document if needed.

Can I use a bank statement printed from my phone or computer?

Only if it is an official statement from the bank itself. A screenshot or a statement you printed from online banking may not be accepted. Bring a paper statement mailed by the bank, or ask your bank to print an official statement for you.

What happens if I bring documents but my name has changed and I forget the name change certificate?

DPS will not process your renewal. You will need to go home, get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, and return to the office. Bring all your other documents with you on the second visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.