Documents and fees required for a Texas DL renewal

To renew your Texas driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the renewal fee. Texas accepts a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. You do not need to bring your current license, but having it makes the process faster.

The renewal fee is $61 for a standard eight-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the fee is $79. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any Texas DPS office.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements are slightly different — you will not need to bring physical documents, but you will upload images or provide information from them instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease from the last 90 days), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • A standard eight-year renewal costs $61; a Real ID-compliant license costs $79.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office, and each method has different document requirements.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.
  • Texas accepts documents dated within 90 days for proof of residency, so plan ahead if your utility bill or lease is older.

Renewing in person at a Texas DPS office

Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number to any Texas Department of Public Safety office. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken. The office will scan your documents and process your renewal on the spot. Most offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you are over 79 years old, you must renew in person every two years instead of every eight years. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may be asked to provide a doctor's statement or take a driving test.

Renewing by mail in Texas

You can renew by mail only if your license expired less than two years ago and you are under 79 years old. Mail your current license, the completed DL-43 form (available on the Texas DPS website), a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person or online is faster.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 79, your license expired less than two years ago, and you have a valid email address. Go to the Texas DPS website, create an account, and upload images of your proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can check the status of your renewal online using your confirmation number. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can complete it at any time.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Texas DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a first-time renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also take a vision test and have your photo taken.

You may also be required to pass a written knowledge test or a driving test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. The DPS office will tell you what tests you need when you arrive.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

A Real ID-compliant Texas driver's license has a gold star in the top right corner and is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. When you renew, you can choose a standard license or a Real ID license. The Real ID costs $18 more ($79 instead of $61).

To get a Real ID license, you must bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus proof that your current address matches your proof of residency. If you have moved recently, bring two documents showing your new address. You can renew for Real ID in person, by mail, or online using the same methods as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. Your proof of residency must show a Texas address. If you have moved out of state, you must update your address with the Texas DPS before you can renew. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need this in addition to your proof of identity and residency. If you are renewing by mail or online, upload an image of the name-change document along with your other papers.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew in person, yes — you will have a new photo taken at the DPS office. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used unless it is more than eight years old, in which case you will need to visit an office in person for a new photo.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide your Social Security number to renew a Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to obtain one before you can renew. This applies whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself, either in person or online. If you renew by mail, you must sign the form and mail it yourself. A family member or representative cannot complete the renewal on your behalf.