The documents you'll bring to renew

When you renew your driver's license, you need to bring proof of who you are and proof of where you live. Most states require a primary ID (something with your photo and signature) and a secondary ID (something that shows your current address). You do not need to bring your old license if it is still valid, though many people do anyway.

The exact documents vary by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. Your state's DMV website lists what counts as primary and secondary ID for your specific situation. If you're renewing in person, bring more than the minimum — having a backup document saves you a trip if something is missing or expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Primary ID must have your photo and signature; a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work in most states.
  • Secondary ID proves your address and can be a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail — it does not need a photo.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photos or scans, unless your state specifically allows digital documents.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, your state will tell you which documents to photograph or upload before you start.

Primary identification: photo and signature required

Primary ID is the document that proves you are who you say you are. It must have your photograph and your signature. A U.S. passport is accepted in all 50 states. A military ID (active duty, reserve, or retired) works in every state. A state ID card from your state or another state counts as primary ID in most places.

If you do not have a passport or military ID, a state ID card is the easiest primary ID to bring. Some states also accept a tribal ID, a passport card, or a commercial driver's license from another state. A few states accept a school or work ID if it has your photo and signature, though this is less common. Check your state's DMV website to see the full list for your location.

Your primary ID does not have to be current. An expired passport or expired state ID card will usually work, as long as the photo still looks like you. However, if your primary ID expired more than a certain number of years ago (this varies by state), you may need to bring a second primary ID instead.

Secondary identification: proof of your address

Secondary ID proves where you live right now. It does not need a photo or signature. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works. So does a bank statement, a credit card statement, or government mail (like a tax return, voter registration card, or Social Security letter).

The document must show your name and your current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some states allow documents up to 90 days old. If you moved recently and your utility bill or lease still shows your old address, bring a piece of government mail sent to your new address instead.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you may be able to bring a notarized letter from them saying you live there, plus a document showing your name at that address. Some states accept an affidavit (a sworn statement) instead. Call your DMV ahead of time if this is your situation — the rules differ by state.

Name changes: documents that prove a legal change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you need to prove the change was legal. A marriage certificate (original or certified copy) shows a name change from marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution order shows a name change from divorce. A court order for a legal name change works in all states.

These documents must be originals or certified copies from the court or vital records office — photocopies usually do not work. If you were married or divorced outside the United States, bring the foreign document plus an English translation certified by a translator. Some states require you to have the translation notarized as well.

If you have not changed your name legally but want to use a different name on your license, you cannot. Your license must match your legal name. If you are unsure whether your name change was legal, contact your county clerk's office or the court that handled the change.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need your old driver's license. If it is still valid and you have it, bringing it can speed up the process, but it is not required. You do not need your Social Security card, though you will need to know your Social Security number. You do not need your birth certificate unless your state specifically asks for it during the renewal process.

You do not need to bring original documents for every piece of information on your license. For example, you do not need proof of your eye color or height — the DMV will verify those in person or ask you to confirm them. You do not need to bring documents proving you passed a vision test or a written test, unless your state requires you to retake one of those tests as part of your renewal.

Renewing by mail or online: what to photograph or upload

If your state allows mail-in or online renewal, you will not bring documents in person. Instead, you will photograph or scan your primary ID and secondary ID and upload them to the DMV website, or photograph them and mail them with your renewal form. Your state will tell you exactly which documents to submit and whether they need to be color or black-and-white.

When you photograph a document, make sure the entire document is visible and the text is readable. Take the photo in good lighting and straight on, not at an angle. If your state asks for both sides of an ID card, photograph both. Some states accept digital images; others require you to print them and mail them in.

If you are mailing documents, use a certified mail service so you have proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything you send. If your renewal is denied because a document was unreadable or missing, you will need to resubmit, and having copies speeds up the process.

What to do if you do not have the required documents

If you do not have a primary ID with your photo and signature, you can get a state ID card from your DMV before you renew your license. A state ID card costs less than a license and takes the same amount of time. You can use it as your primary ID for your license renewal.

If you do not have a secondary ID showing your current address, ask your bank or utility company for a statement. If you moved recently and have not received a bill yet, a piece of government mail (like a voter registration card or tax form) sent to your new address works. If you have neither, some states allow you to bring a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you, confirming your address.

If you have lost your name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), contact the office that issued it. A county clerk's office can issue a certified copy of a marriage or divorce record. A court can issue a certified copy of a court order. These certified copies cost money and take a few days to a few weeks, so start this process early if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my ID instead of bringing the original?

It depends on your state. Some states allow you to photograph your documents and upload them if you renew online or by mail. If you are renewing in person at the DMV, you must bring the original document. A photo or photocopy is not accepted in person.

What if my address on my primary ID does not match my current address?

Your primary ID does not have to show your current address — that is what the secondary ID is for. Bring your primary ID (even if the address is old) and a secondary ID with your current address. The DMV will update your license to your new address.

Do I need to bring my old license if it is expired?

No. An expired license is not required for renewal. If you have it and it is in good condition, bringing it can speed up the process, but it is optional. If you have lost it, you do not need to replace it before renewing.

Can I use a school ID or work ID as my primary ID?

Some states accept a school or work ID if it has your photo and signature, but most do not. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of accepted primary IDs. If your school or work ID is not listed, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.

What if I changed my name but do not have the original marriage certificate?

Contact the county clerk's office where you were married and request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This costs a small fee and usually takes one to two weeks. Some counties offer expedited service for a higher fee. You need the certified copy, not a photocopy, to renew your license.