What You Need to Bring When You Renew Your Texas Driver's License

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 Social Security number. The exact documents 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 without taking a new photo or retaking the written test — but only if you meet specific conditions.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) divides renewals into three paths: standard renewal (by mail or online), in-person renewal, and renewal after expiration. Each path has different document requirements, and bringing the wrong documents means a rejected process or a wasted trip to the DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Standard renewals by mail require proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license — no office visit needed if your license is still valid.
In-person renewals at a DPS office require the same documents plus your Social Security number and a completed DL 43 form.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
Proof of identity must be an original document — photocopies are not accepted — and can be a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.

Proof of identity documents accepted by Texas DPS

Texas DPS accepts a limited list of original identity documents. A photocopy, even a certified one, will not be accepted. The document must show your name and be issued by a government agency or recognized institution.

Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate (with the raised seal), a military ID card, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are renewing and your current Texas driver's license is still valid, you can use that as your identity document.

If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to visit a DPS office in person. The office staff can help you understand what alternative documents might work, but the process takes longer and may require additional steps.

Proof of residency: what documents work

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. The document does not have to have your full name — a spouse's name on a utility bill counts — but it must clearly show the address where you live now.

Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement or property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a government check or benefit statement, or a letter from your employer showing your address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency.

Do not bring a driver's license, passport, or military ID as proof of residency — those are identity documents, not residency documents. Texas DPS requires both types.

Mail renewal: documents you need and the process

Mail renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name since it was issued. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or pass a vision test.

To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed DL 43 form (available on the Texas DPS website), proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You do not need to include proof of identity if your current license is valid — the license itself serves that purpose. Mail your packet to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you changed your name, if you need a new photo, or if you are over 85 years old. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you changed your name, if you are over 85, or if you want a new photo. You will also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your health and driving record.

Bring your current license (or proof of identity if your license is expired), proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number — a tax return, W-2, or benefit statement works. Bring the original documents; photocopies are not accepted.

Visit a DPS office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing after your license has expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form.

You will also need to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision test. The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas DPS driver's handbook, available free on the DPS website. Bring two forms of identification to the office — one for identity and one showing your Social Security number.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you may also need to provide medical documentation or a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to drive, depending on your age and the reason for the long lapse. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what you need.

Name changes and other special situations

If you changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DPS office and bring proof of your name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy.

If you are renewing a license issued under a different name, bring both your old license and the name-change document. You will receive a new license with your current legal name. The process takes the same time as a standard in-person renewal.

If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Texas DPS to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online?

Texas does not currently offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid, or in person at a DPS office. Check the Texas DPS website for any updates to this policy, as it may change.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew, but you will need to visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency instead of your current license. You will also need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to bring proof of your Social Security number, but it does not have to be your card. A tax return, W-2, benefit statement, or other government document showing your number works. For mail renewal, you do not need to provide your Social Security number at all.

How long does a renewed license take to arrive?

By mail, two to three weeks. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks — you do not get it on the spot.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

Update your address on the DL 43 form before you mail it or bring it to the office. If you are renewing by mail, include proof of your new residency. The new address will appear on your renewed license.

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.