What You Need to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

Documents Required for a 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. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot substitute one for another, and expired documents usually do not count.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements are simpler than in-person renewal. If you are renewing in person at a DPS office, you will need to bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The exact list depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident.

Key Takeaways

U.S. citizens renewing in person need a passport or birth certificate for identity, a utility bill or lease for residency, and their current license.
Permanent residents and temporary residents must bring their immigration documents (green card, visa, or I-94) along with identity and residency proof.
Mail and online renewals require fewer documents but are only available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet other conditions.
Texas DPS does not accept expired documents for identity or residency, and photocopies are not valid in person — bring originals.
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).

Identity Documents Accepted in Texas

For in-person renewal, Texas DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad as proof of identity. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a combination of documents: a Social Security card plus a government-issued ID (such as a school ID or employee badge), or a certified marriage certificate plus a government-issued ID.

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Form I-551) or your employment authorization document (EAD, Form I-765). If you are a temporary resident on a visa, bring your passport and the visa itself, or your I-94 arrival/departure record. Temporary residents also need to show that their status is still valid — an expired visa does not count.

Proof of Residency in Texas

Texas requires proof that you live in the state. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all count, as long as it shows your name and current Texas address and was issued within the last 90 days. If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, you can use a bank statement, insurance policy, or government document (such as a voter registration card or tax return) that shows your address.

The document must be an original or certified copy for in-person renewal. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to bring residency proof — DPS will verify your address using the records they already have on file.

Renewing by Mail or Online in Texas

Texas allows mail and online renewal if your license is not expired by more than two years, you are a U.S. citizen, you have no medical conditions that require a vision test, and your address has not changed. You do not need to bring documents to a DPS office — you submit your renewal request and your current license by mail, or you renew through the Texas DPS website.

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your materials. Online renewal is faster — your new license is mailed within 5 to 7 business days. If you do not meet the conditions for mail or online renewal (for example, your license is expired by more than two years, or you have a medical condition), you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Name Changes and Other Updates

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. DPS will not accept a photocopy or an uncertified copy. You must renew in person if your name has changed — you cannot renew by mail or online.

If you are changing your address, sex, or organ donor status, you can do this during renewal. Address changes do not require extra documents if you are renewing in person or by mail. If you are changing your sex marker, bring a certified copy of a court order or a certified copy of an amended birth certificate that shows your updated sex.

Fees and Processing Times

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25 in Texas. If you are age 85 or older, a five-year renewal costs $10. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $25 for a five-year license. Fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

In-person renewal at a DPS office usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your materials. Online renewal is the fastest option — your new license ships within 5 to 7 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mail service, which takes 3 to 5 business days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring photocopies of your identity or residency documents to a DPS office — originals or certified copies only. Do not assume an expired document counts as proof of identity or residency; Texas DPS will reject it. Do not wait until your license expires to renew; you can renew up to one year before expiration, and renewing early avoids the rush.

If your name has changed, do not forget the certified copy of the document that changed it — without it, you cannot complete your renewal. Do not try to renew online or by mail if your license is expired by more than two years; you must go to a DPS office in person. If you are unsure whether you meet the conditions for mail or online renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 before you submit your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years. Mail and online renewal are only available if your license is not expired by more than two years. Bring your identity and residency documents, your current license, and the renewal fee.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a combination of documents instead: a Social Security card plus a government-issued ID (school ID, employee badge, or military ID), or a certified marriage certificate plus a government-issued ID. Bring originals or certified copies to a DPS office.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

If you renew by mail or online, DPS uses your photo from your current license — you do not need a new photo. If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo at the office. You cannot bring your own photo.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?

In-person renewal takes 20 to 45 minutes at the office, but you receive your temporary license that day. Your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your materials. Online renewal is fastest — 5 to 7 business days.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during renewal without extra documents. If you are renewing in person, tell the DPS employee your new address. If you are renewing by mail or online, DPS will use the address on file — call 1-888-589-6900 before you submit your request to make sure your address is correct.

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.