Documents Required for Texas Driver's License Renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — you cannot substitute one for another, and expired documents usually do not count.
The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your name or address has changed since your last license. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need a certified copy of the document that proves the change.
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.
- Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or military ID; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
- If you renew by mail, you can skip the residency document if your address has not changed, but you still need proof of identity.
- Name changes require a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — a photocopy will not be accepted.
- You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no vision or medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
Proof of Identity Documents That Texas DPS Accepts
Texas DPS maintains a list of documents that count as proof of identity. The most common are a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID card, or a previous Texas ID card or driver's license. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count, even if it has your photo.
Your birth certificate must be a certified copy — the kind with an official seal from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy or hospital birth certificate will be rejected. If you were born outside the United States, you will need a valid passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
If you are renewing in person, you can also use a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate if you are not a U.S. citizen. Expired documents are generally not accepted for identity, so if your passport or military ID has expired, bring a second form of ID as backup.
Proof of Residency: What Documents Work
Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment or mail submission. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all count. The document must have your name and address printed on it — a handwritten address does not satisfy the requirement.
If you are renewing by mail and your address has not changed since your last license, you do not need to submit proof of residency. You still need proof of identity, but the address requirement is waived because DPS already has your address on file.
If you live with someone else and the utility bill or lease is in their name, you can bring a notarized affidavit stating that you live at that address, along with the bill or lease. Some DPS offices also accept a letter from a government agency, school, or employer on official letterhead confirming your address.
Renewing by Mail vs. In Person: Different Document Needs
Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical or vision restrictions, and your name and address have not changed. If you renew by mail, you need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — unless your address is unchanged, in which case you skip the residency document.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires the same documents: your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken. Bring the original documents, not photocopies, because DPS staff will inspect them.
If you cannot renew by mail because your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must go in person. The same applies if your name or address has changed — mail renewal is not an option in those cases.
Name or Address Changes: Extra Documents You Need
If your name has changed since your last license, you must bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change. For marriage, that is a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, a certified divorce decree or final decree of dissolution. For a legal name change through the courts, a certified copy of the court order.
A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted — DPS requires the certified original or a certified copy issued by the government office that holds the record. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the marriage, divorce, or court proceeding took place.
If your address has changed, you need current proof of residency at the new address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a notarized affidavit from the property owner or manager stating that you live there, along with a copy of your lease or rental agreement.
Online Renewal: When You Can Skip the Documents
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have no vision or medical restrictions, your name has not changed, and your address has not changed. If you meet all four conditions, you do not need to gather documents — you can renew entirely online by paying the fee and confirming your information.
Online renewal takes a few minutes and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. This option is the fastest and requires no documents because DPS already has everything on file and has verified it during your last renewal.
If any of those four conditions do not explore — your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, your name changed, or your address changed — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and bring the documents listed above.
What Happens If You Are Missing a Document
If you show up to a DPS office without all required documents, you will not be able to renew that day. DPS staff will tell you what is missing and you will have to make another appointment. This is why it is worth calling your local DPS office before you go, or checking the DPS website, to confirm what documents you need based on your specific situation.
If you cannot get a certified birth certificate or marriage certificate in time, some DPS offices will accept a temporary document while you wait for the certified copy to arrive. Ask your local office whether they offer this option — policies vary by location.
If your current license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person and bring your proof of identity and residency. DPS will issue a replacement license at the same time you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if my passport is expired?
Yes. An expired passport still counts as proof of identity for renewal. However, if you do not have an expired passport, bring another form of ID from the accepted list, such as a birth certificate or military ID.
Do I need an original certified birth certificate or can I use a photocopy?
You need the original certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. You can request a certified copy from the county or state vital records office where you were born.
What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?
You can bring the utility bill along with a notarized affidavit stating that you live at that address. Some DPS offices also accept a letter from an employer or school on official letterhead confirming your address. Call your local DPS office to confirm what they will accept.
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal is only available if your name and address have both stayed the same since your last license. If your address changed, you must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new residency.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a marriage certificate?
Processing time varies by county, but most vital records offices issue certified copies within 5 to 10 business days. Some counties offer expedited service for an extra fee. Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married to find out their timeline and fees.