The documents you need depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail

Texas lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. The documents required change based on which method you choose. If you're renewing by mail or online, you need far less than if you go in person — but not all renewal types may have access to for those faster routes.

The most common scenario is an in-person renewal at a DPS office, which requires proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your current license. If you're renewing by mail, you typically need only your current license and the renewal process form. Online renewals have the fewest requirements but are available only if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago and you haven't changed your address.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewals require your current license, one form of identity proof, and one document showing your Texas address.
  • Mail renewals need only your current license and the completed DPS Form DL-44, with no identity documents required.
  • Online renewals are the fastest option but only work if your license expired within the last two years and your address hasn't changed.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DPS office in person.
  • Texas accepts a wide range of identity documents — a passport, military ID, or birth certificate all work, so you have options if you don't have a passport.

Documents for in-person renewal at a DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license, one acceptable form of identity, and one document proving you live in Texas. The identity document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy alone will not work. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, birth certificate, permanent resident card, visa, or employment authorization document.

For proof of residency, DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, insurance documents, or bank statements — as long as they show your name and current Texas address and are dated within the last 90 days. If you've recently moved and your documents don't yet reflect your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or mortgage company on official letterhead confirming your residency.

You'll also fill out the renewal process at the DPS office. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Documents for mail renewal

Mail renewal is the simplest option in terms of documents. You need only your current, valid Texas driver's license and the completed DPS Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License). You do not need to send identity or residency documents — DPS already has that information on file from your original license.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, you have not changed your address, and you have not had any violations or suspensions. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

Mail the form and your current license to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure that address is still correct before you send in your process.

Documents for online renewal

Online renewal requires the fewest documents of all. You need your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number — all information you can enter directly into the online form. You do not mail or bring any physical documents.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last two years, your address has not changed, and you have no active violations or suspensions. You also cannot renew online if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If you meet all these conditions, you can complete the entire process from home in about 10 minutes.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit your process.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your current license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to mail or present, you cannot use the mail or online renewal process. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Tell the DPS staff that your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. They will note this in your file and process your renewal as a replacement. There is no additional fee for a replacement license — you pay the standard renewal fee. Your new license will be ready to pick up at the office or mailed to you, depending on the office's procedures.

Name changes and other updates during renewal

If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the original or certified copy of the document proving the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. DPS will not accept a photocopy.

If you want to change other information — such as your address, height, or organ donor status — you can do this during renewal at a DPS office. For mail or online renewal, you cannot make changes beyond the basic renewal. If you need to update information other than your name, renew in person.

Fees and what happens after you renew

Texas driver's license renewal fees vary based on the length of the license. A standard five-year renewal costs $25. An eight-year license costs $40. You can choose which length you want when you renew. Payment methods depend on your renewal method: in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card; mail renewals require a check or money order; online renewals accept credit or debit cards.

After you renew, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it as a record — there's no requirement to return it to DPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if it's been expired for more than two years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency just as you would for a standard in-person renewal.

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

DPS accepts many forms of identity. A military ID, permanent resident card, visa, or employment authorization document all work. If you don't have any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what other documents they can accept — some offices may work with you on a case-by-case basis.

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

For mail renewal, no — DPS uses your photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, yes — DPS will take a new photo at the office. For online renewal, DPS uses your current photo. If you want a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

This depends on the DPS office. Some offices allow a family member or authorized person to pick up your license if you provide written permission and they bring ID. Call your local DPS office before you renew to ask about their specific policy.

What if I move to a different address before my renewed license arrives?

Contact DPS with your new address as soon as possible. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at a DPS office. DPS will hold your new license and mail it to your updated address, or you can pick it up at an office once it arrives.