Documents and fees required for a Texas license renewal

To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll also pay a renewal fee — currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though these amounts can change. The exact documents accepted depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired.

Texas allows most people to renew by mail or online if their license hasn't been expired for more than two years and they meet other conditions. If you must renew in person, you'll go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The process is straightforward once you know which documents the DPS will accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a document proving who you are (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof you live in Texas (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
  • A five-year renewal costs $25 and an eight-year renewal costs $50, payable by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
  • If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago or you changed your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
  • You'll need to pass a vision test and provide a new photo if renewing in person; mail and online renewals use your existing photo.

Identity documents the DPS will accept

The DPS accepts several documents to prove your identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID works. If you don't have those, you can use your birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A Social Security card alone is not enough — it must be paired with another document like a birth certificate.

If you're renewing by mail, send a photocopy of your identity document. If you're renewing in person, bring the original. The DPS will not accept a photocopy of a passport or military ID in person — it must be the original document.

Proof of Texas residency

You must show that you live in Texas. The DPS accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowners or renters insurance policy. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you're renewing by mail, send a photocopy. If you're renewing in person, bring the original or a photocopy — the DPS will accept either. If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease hasn't caught up, a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement showing your new address may work; call your local DPS office to confirm before you go in.

When you can renew by mail or online instead of in person

Texas allows mail and online renewals only if your current license has not been expired for more than two years. You also cannot have changed your name, address, or other information on your license since it was issued. If all of these conditions are met, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website or by mail.

Online renewal is faster — you'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer, typically 2 to 3 weeks. Both methods cost the same and use your existing photo, so you won't need to sit for a new one.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

If your license expired more than two years ago, you changed your name, or you want an eight-year license instead of five years, you must renew in person. Bring your identity document (original), proof of residency (original or copy), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test and provide a new photo.

Visit your local DPS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — many offices are busiest in the morning and on Fridays. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. Bring your current license or a copy of it if you have one. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Payment methods and fees

A five-year license renewal costs $25. An eight-year renewal costs $50. If you're renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order — the DPS does not accept cash through the mail. If you're renewing online, you'll pay by credit or debit card.

Make checks or money orders payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash by mail. If you're paying by mail, include your payment with your process and documents in the envelope you send to the DPS address listed on the renewal form.

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

If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, the DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You'll need to visit a DPS office in person, pass a written knowledge test (not just a vision test), and provide all the same documents as someone getting a license for the first time. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number and pass a background check.

The fee is the same as a renewal, but the process takes longer because of the knowledge test. You can study for the test using the Texas DPS driver's handbook, which is available free online. If you're not sure whether your license qualifies as expired or lapsed, call your local DPS office — they can tell you which process applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?

No. If you changed your address since your license was issued, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your new proof of residency showing your current address.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a military ID. If you don't have any of these, contact your local DPS office — they can tell you what other documents may work in your situation.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew by mail?

No. Mail and online renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewals require a new photo.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks. Times may be longer during busy periods.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS, which may require paying a reinstatement fee or completing other requirements. Contact the DPS to find out what you need to do.