Documents required for a standard Texas driver license renewal
To renew your Texas driver license by mail or online, you need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your current license. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing in person, by mail, or online — and whether your name or address has changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, bring your current driver license and one document proving Texas residency from the past 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement works. You do not need to bring a separate proof of identity if your current license is still valid, because the license itself serves that purpose.
If you're renewing by mail, the process is more limited. Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. You'll mail in your current license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL-44), and the renewal fee. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address or name.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires your current license and one proof of Texas residency from the past 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and your name and address have not changed since your last license.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available for some drivers but requires a valid email address and your current license number.
- If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address online before renewing by mail.
Proof of identity documents accepted in Texas
If you're renewing in person and your current license has expired, or if you're explore for a new license, you'll need a separate proof of identity. Texas accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate as primary identity documents.
If you don't have one of those, Texas allows you to bring two secondary identity documents instead. These can include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, a school transcript, or a utility bill in your name. The documents must show your name and at least one must show your date of birth.
Your current Texas driver license counts as proof of identity on its own if it is still valid, even if it is expired by a few days. Once it has been expired for more than a few days, you'll need to bring a separate identity document.
Proof of Texas residency: what documents work
Texas requires one document showing you live in the state. The document must be dated within the past 90 days and show your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check all work.
If you live in Texas but don't have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you, along with their proof of residency. This is useful if you're a dependent, a spouse who hasn't updated accounts in your name, or a recent mover whose utilities haven't been transferred yet.
Documents from your employer showing your work address in Texas do not count as proof of residency. The document must show where you live, not where you work.
Name change documents you'll need
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — you must renew in person. You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change.
Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change. For marriage, that's a certified marriage certificate from the county clerk. For divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. For a legal name change through the courts, bring the certified court order. "Certified" means an official copy with a seal or stamp from the issuing office, not a photocopy you made yourself.
You can obtain a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the event was recorded. In Texas, this usually costs $5 to $20 per copy. Some DPS offices will not process your renewal without the certified document in hand, so do not plan to mail it later.
Address change and how it affects your renewal method
If your address has changed, you have two options: renew in person at a DPS office, or update your address online before renewing by mail or online.
To update your address online without renewing your license, visit the Texas DPS website and use the Change of Address service. You'll need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Once your address is updated in the system, you can then renew by mail or online using your current license.
If you renew in person, bring your current license and one proof of residency at your new address dated within the past 90 days. The DPS office will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.
Online renewal may be able to access and what you need
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is not expired, your name and address have not changed, and you have a valid email address. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process.
Online renewal is faster than mail renewal — you can complete it in minutes and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. However, you cannot use online renewal if you need to update your name, address, or other information on your license.
If you're not sure whether you're may be able to access for online renewal, the DPS website will tell you during the process. If you're not may be able to access, you'll be directed to renew in person or by mail instead.
Real ID and what documents you need if you want it
A standard Texas driver license renewal gives you a standard license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, you'll need additional documents proving your identity and residency, plus proof of your Social Security number.
For Real ID, bring your current license, one proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one proof of residency from the past 90 days, and your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. You must renew in person to get a Real ID license — you cannot get one by mail or online.
A Real ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you don't need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. A new license requires more documents than a renewal, including a certified birth certificate or passport. Contact your local DPS office to find out what documents you'll need for a new process.
What if I don't have a proof of residency document in my name?
You can bring a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you, along with their proof of residency. The affidavit must state that you live at that address. You can get a notarized affidavit from a bank, a notary public, or some UPS stores — the cost is usually $5 to $15.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my license?
You only need your Social Security card if you're getting a Real ID license or if you're explore for a new license instead of renewing. For a standard in-person renewal, you do not need to bring your Social Security card — your current license is enough.
Can I mail in a certified copy of my marriage certificate instead of bringing it in person?
No. If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring the certified document with you. The DPS office will not accept mailed documents for name changes.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore in person?
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you'll receive your new license on the spot or within a few days. If you renew by mail or online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.