Documents Required for a Texas Driver's License Renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or an ID number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires specific documents — not just any ID or bill. Which documents you bring depends on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your name or address has changed since your last license was issued.
If you are renewing by mail, you need fewer documents than an in-person renewal. If you are renewing in person at a DPS office, you must bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Texas does not accept notarized copies of documents as a substitute for originals.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires an original or certified copy of proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID number — photocopies are not accepted.
- By-mail renewal requires only your current license, a completed process form, and a check or money order; no additional documents are mailed in.
- Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your process; utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work.
- 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.
- Texas accepts a REAL ID-compliant document (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship in one document.
Proof of Identity Documents Accepted in Texas
Texas requires one document that proves who you are. The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy, even a certified photocopy, is not accepted. The following documents work as proof of identity:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID card (active duty, reserve, or retired)
- Certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born
- Certificate of naturalization or U.S. citizenship
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Employment authorization document (EAD)
- Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe
If you do not have one of these documents, you cannot renew in person. You would need to explore for a new license instead, which requires additional documents and a visit to a DPS office. A driver's license or state ID from another state does not count as proof of identity for a Texas renewal.
Proof of Residency: What Documents Work
You must bring one document that shows your current Texas address. The document must be dated within 90 days of the date you submit your renewal process. Original documents only — no photocopies. The following documents work as proof of residency:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renters)
- Pay stub from your employer
- Government document (tax return, voter registration card, or benefit statement)
The document must show your full name and your current street address. A P.O. box does not count as a residential address. If you recently moved and your proof of residency is dated before your move, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address, both dated within 90 days. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from that person stating you live there, plus the utility bill or lease in their name.
What to Bring If Your Name Has Changed
If your name on your current license does not match the name you want on your new license, you must bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. A certified copy means a copy stamped and signed by the office that issued the original. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.
The following documents prove a legal name change:
- Marriage certificate (certified copy from the county clerk)
- Divorce decree or dissolution order (certified copy from the court)
- Court order for name change (certified copy from the court)
- Adoption decree (certified copy from the court)
If you were married or divorced outside Texas, the document must be certified by the state or county where it was issued. A certified copy from a county clerk in another state is acceptable. If you do not bring proof of the name change, DPS will issue your new license under your current legal name on file.
In-Person Renewal: Complete Document Checklist
Bring these items to a DPS driver's license office:
| Document Type | What to Bring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current License | Your Texas driver's license or ID card | If lost or stolen, bring your ID number instead |
| Proof of Identity | One original or certified copy from the list above | Photocopies not accepted; must be current or recently issued |
| Proof of Residency | One original document dated within 90 days | Must show your current Texas address and full name |
| Name Change (if applicable) | Certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Only if your name has changed since your last license |
| Payment | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | Fee varies by license type and validity period |
Bring originals or certified copies only. Do not bring photocopies, notarized copies, or digital images on your phone. DPS staff will not accept them. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
By-Mail Renewal: What You Actually Send
If you are renewing by mail, you do not mail in any documents. You only mail your completed process form, your current license, and payment. Texas does not require you to send proof of identity or proof of residency by mail — DPS verifies your information against records they already have.
You are only may be able to access to renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person and bring the documents listed above.
To renew by mail, complete form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License), include your current license, and mail everything to the address on the form with a check or money order for the renewal fee. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. This process takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your process.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Renewal
Bringing photocopies instead of originals. DPS will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other document, even if it is notarized. You must bring the original or a certified copy stamped by the issuing office.
Bringing a document dated outside the 90-day window. Your proof of residency must be dated within 90 days of the date you submit your process. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. If your most recent bill is older than 90 days, bring two documents: one older bill and one recent document showing your current address.
Forgetting to bring proof of a name change. If your name has changed and you do not bring a certified copy of the document that changed it, DPS will issue your license under your current legal name on file. You will have to return to renew again if you want the new name on your license.
Bringing a document in a foreign language without a translation. If your birth certificate or other proof of identity is in Spanish or another language, bring a certified English translation along with the original. DPS will not accept the original alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can bring a U.S. passport, military ID, permanent resident card, or certificate of naturalization instead. Any of these documents work as proof of identity. If you have none of these, you cannot renew by mail or in person — you would need to explore for a new license, which requires a different set of documents.
Is a notarized copy of my birth certificate accepted as proof of identity?
No. Texas requires an original or certified copy issued by the state or county where you were born. A notarized copy is not accepted. You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born, usually for $10 to $25.
What if my proof of residency is in my spouse's name?
Bring the utility bill or lease in your spouse's name, plus a signed letter from your spouse stating that you live at that address. DPS will accept this combination as proof that you live there. The letter does not need to be notarized.
Can I renew my license if I moved to Texas less than 90 days ago?
Yes. Bring one document showing your new Texas address dated within 90 days, plus one document showing your old address from your previous state. Both documents together prove your current residency in Texas.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my license?
No. DPS does not require a Social Security card for renewal. You only need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. If you do bring your Social Security card, DPS will not photocopy it or keep it on file.