Documents required for a Texas driver's license renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current or expired license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — you cannot substitute one for another, and not every ID counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes.
The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person, and whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than two years. Most people can renew online or by mail if their license expired within the last two years, which requires fewer documents than an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current or expired Texas driver's license, plus one document proving your identity and one proving your current address in Texas.
- Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, or birth certificate; a Social Security card alone is not enough.
- Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days of your renewal.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need additional documents like a medical certificate.
- Online and mail renewals cost less than in-person renewals and do not require you to visit an office.
Proof of identity documents Texas DPS accepts
Texas DPS recognizes a limited set of documents as proof of identity for license renewal. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID card, or certified birth certificate all work. If you do not have any of these, a combination of documents may work — for example, a Social Security card plus a credit card with your name on it, or a school ID plus a bank statement with your name and address.
Documents that do not count as proof of identity on their own include Social Security cards, credit cards, school IDs, library cards, and expired passports. If your passport expired more than five years ago, it will not be accepted. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be certified by the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or hospital record will not work.
Proof of residency: what documents show your current Texas address
You need one document showing your current address in Texas, dated within 90 days of the day you submit your renewal. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement all work. The document must show your name and your current address.
Documents that do not work include a driver's license (even if current), a voter registration card, or a document with only a P.O. box. If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease still shows your old address, you will need to wait for a new statement to arrive, or bring two documents — one showing your old address and one showing your new address with your name on it. A bank statement from an online bank counts as long as it shows your name and address.
Renewing online: what you need and how it works
If your Texas driver's license expired within the last two years, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office or mailing documents. You will need your current or recently expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You do not mail or bring physical documents — instead, you answer questions that verify your identity.
Online renewal takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your address, name, or other information online; if you need to update anything, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Renewing by mail: documents to send and processing time
Mail renewal is available if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need to change your address or other information. You will mail your current or expired license, a completed process form (DL-44), a copy of your proof of identity, and a copy of your proof of residency to the Texas DPS. Make copies of your identity and residency documents — do not send originals.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash). Mail your packet to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day DPS receives your packet, and your new license will be mailed to you. Keep a record of what you sent and when, in case the packet is lost in the mail.
Renewing in person at a DPS office: documents and wait times
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. You will bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number). If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, you may also need a medical certificate from your doctor.
In-person renewal takes 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all original documents — do not send copies. You will pay the renewal fee at the office (cash, check, debit card, or credit card accepted). Your new license will be issued the same day, though you may be given a temporary paper license to use while your photo license is printed and mailed.
Name changes, address changes, and other updates during renewal
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current or expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency at your new address, and any documents supporting the change — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name, or a divorce decree.
If you are changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document showing the legal change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers). A photocopy will not be accepted. Processing an in-person renewal with a name or address change takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal, and your new license will be issued the same day.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you must visit a DPS office in person, bring the same documents as for renewal (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card), and take a new written test and vision test. You may also need a medical certificate if you have certain health conditions.
Reapplication costs more than renewal and takes longer. You will receive a temporary paper license the day of your visit and your photo license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you are unsure whether your license has been expired for more than two years, check the expiration date on your license or call your local DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for proof of identity?
Yes. A U.S. passport card is accepted as proof of identity for license renewal. It works the same way as a full passport. If you have either one, you do not need to bring additional identity documents.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a combination of documents. For example, a Social Security card plus a credit card with your name on it, or a school ID plus a bank statement showing your name and address. Call your local DPS office or check the DPS website for the full list of acceptable combinations.
Can I use an electric bill from my roommate if my name is not on it?
No. Your proof of residency must show your name and your current address. If you rent and your name is not on the utility bill, use your lease agreement, a bank statement, or a letter from your landlord showing your name and address.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew by mail?
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day the Texas DPS receives your packet. Mailing time is not included, so allow extra time for your packet to arrive at DPS and for your new license to be mailed back to you. Total time is usually 6 to 8 weeks.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew online?
No. For online renewal, you only need your license number, Social Security number (which you type in), and a payment method. You do not mail or bring any physical documents. For in-person renewal, you do need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.