Documents and fees you'll need before you go
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited list of documents for each category — bringing something similar but not on the list will send you home without a renewal. You also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license as of 2024.
The specific documents you bring depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your name, address, or other information has changed since your last license. If nothing has changed and you meet the age and vision requirements, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.
- You need proof that you live in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
- Your Social Security number is required; bring your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form if you don't have it memorized.
- The renewal fee is $33 for four years or $66 for eight years, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- If your name or address has changed, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person.
Proof of identity documents DPS will accept
DPS requires an original or certified copy of one document from this list: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a military discharge paper (DD-214), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 tax form, a bank statement, a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a vehicle registration, a previous Texas driver's license or ID card, or a school transcript. The secondary documents must also show your name and cannot be more than 90 days old (except for tax forms and school transcripts).
Expired documents are acceptable for identity proof — an old passport or military ID still counts. However, documents that are photocopies, faxes, or digital images on your phone do not count unless they are certified copies.
Proof of residency: what counts and what doesn't
You need one document showing you live in Texas. DPS accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Texas address, and it cannot be more than 90 days old. If the document shows a different address than the one you're providing on your renewal form, bring a second document to explain the change — for example, a lease dated after you moved.
Documents that do not count as proof of residency include cell phone bills, insurance policies that don't show your address, mail from government agencies, and documents that show a post office box instead of a street address. If you live in a house with no utilities in your name, a lease or mortgage statement is your best option.
Renewing by mail: when you can and what you need
You can renew by mail only if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years, you have no changes to your name or address, you are between 18 and 79 years old, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving. You also cannot have a suspended or revoked license, and you cannot have failed a vision test at your last renewal.
If you are may be able to access to renew by mail, you do not need to bring documents to a DPS office. Instead, you mail your completed process (Form DL-44 or the renewal notice DPS sent you), your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the renewal notice. DPS will mail your new license to you within two to three weeks. You do not need to include copies of your identity or residency documents — DPS already has them on file.
If you are not may be able to access to renew by mail, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring all required documents.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, your proof of identity document, your proof of residency document, and your Social Security number (written down or memorized). You will also need to pay the renewal fee at the office. DPS offices accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
You do not need to make an appointment at most DPS offices, but you can reserve a time slot online through the DPS website to skip the walk-in line. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week is usually faster than visiting on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
At the office, a DPS employee will check your documents, take a new photo, and test your vision. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to bring a letter from an eye doctor saying you can drive safely. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Texas allows some drivers to renew online through the DPS website. You are may be able to access if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years, you have no changes to your name or address, you are between 18 and 79 years old, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving. You also cannot have a suspended or revoked license.
To renew online, you will need to enter your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a new photo of yourself or use the photo DPS already has on file. You pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DPS will issue a new license with your updated name.
If your address has changed but your name has not, you can still renew by mail or online as long as you update your address on the process. However, if your new address is outside of Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person to verify your residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than two years?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires visiting a DPS office in person, taking a written test, and passing a vision test. You will also need to provide all the same documents as a renewal.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I just tell the DPS employee my number?
You can provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing — you do not need to bring your card. However, if you don't have your number memorized, bringing your Social Security card, a W-2, or a 1099 form will help you remember it.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease for proof of residency?
You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement instead. All must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. If you have none of these, contact your local DPS office to ask about other options.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
DPS typically mails renewed licenses within two to three weeks of receiving your process or processing your online renewal. If you need your license sooner, you can request an expedited license at a DPS office for an additional fee, though this is not available for mail or online renewals.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. If you renewed by mail or online, you can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person at a DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your new plastic license to arrive in the mail.