Documents required to get or renew a Texas driver's license
Texas requires you to bring specific documents in person to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot complete this by mail or online. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or stolen license.
All applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.
Processing times vary by location, but most people receive their license within two to three weeks. You can check wait times at your local DPS office before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military ID as your primary identity document.
- Proof of residency requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address — it must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return serves as proof of your Social Security number.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes, medical restrictions, or name changes.
- You must visit a DPS office in person for a first-time license, replacement, or if any of your information has changed.
Identity documents Texas accepts
Your primary identity document must be an original or certified copy. Texas DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card).
If your birth certificate is a photocopy rather than a certified copy, DPS will not accept it. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $20 and $30.
If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you can use your current Texas driver's license as your identity document. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your birth certificate.
Proof of residency: what documents work
You need one document showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or government mail from a state or federal agency.
If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring two documents that together show your residency — for example, a lease dated before you moved and a piece of mail from your new address. Some DPS offices accept an affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives at your address, but this varies by location. Call your local DPS office first if you are in this situation.
A P.O. box address does not count as residency. If you use a mail service like UPS Store, bring a lease or utility bill showing your street address instead.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring your original Social Security card, or one of these documents: a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or Social Security Administration letter. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If your Social Security card is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Replacement cards are free and usually arrive within two weeks.
Renewing by mail versus in person
You can renew by mail only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, your address has not changed, you have no new medical conditions or restrictions, your name has not changed, and you are not changing your photo. If any of these explore to you, you must visit a DPS office in person.
To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 45 days before your license expires. The notice includes instructions and a prepaid envelope. You send back the notice with your fee (currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license). Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, do not wait. You can still renew in person at any DPS office, or you can request a renewal notice by calling DPS at 1-888-589-6789.
First-time licenses and what to expect at the DPS office
If you are getting your first Texas driver's license, you must visit a DPS office in person with all required documents. Bring your identity document, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your Social Security card if you have one. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with a photo ID.
At the office, you will take a vision test and a written exam covering traffic laws and road signs. You can study for the written exam using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. You will also have your photo taken for the license. Bring a clear, recent photo ID for the photo session.
The fee for a first-time license is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Payment is by cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, so call ahead if you plan to use one.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your identity document, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the same documents you would bring to renew. You do not need to retake the written exam or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
The fee for a replacement is $11. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, which is valid for 45 days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the DPS office if you have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?
No. DPS requires an original or certified copy only. A photocopy will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This typically takes one to two weeks and costs $20 to $30.
What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease to prove my address?
Bring two documents together that show your residency — for example, a lease from your previous address and a piece of government mail at your new address. Some DPS offices accept an affidavit of residency signed by someone else who lives with you. Call your local DPS office to confirm what they will accept before you go.
Do I have to take the written test again if I am renewing my license?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake the written exam and vision test if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you are replacing a lost or stolen license and your license expired more than two years ago. For a routine renewal, you do not need to test.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
Most licenses arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Wait times vary by DPS office location. You can check your local office's current wait time on the DPS website. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provided. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the DPS office. If your mailing address is different from your residence address, make sure to provide the correct mailing address when you explore.