Bring These Documents to the DPS Office

Texas requires you to bring specific documents in person when you renew your driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has expired or if you need to update your address or other information. The documents fall into three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current or expired license.

Bring originals, not copies. The DPS staff will examine them and return them to you. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation certified by a translator or the issuing agency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current or expired Texas driver's license, a document proving your identity, and a document proving your current Texas address.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID; a Social Security card alone is not enough.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days showing your name and address.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.

Proof of Identity Documents

The DPS accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. Your current or expired Texas driver's license counts as proof of identity, so if you have one, bring it. If you do not have a Texas license or it has been lost or stolen, bring one of these instead:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • U.S. military ID or military discharge papers (DD-214)
  • Permanent resident card (green card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • Texas ID card (if you have one)
  • Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization

A Social Security card by itself does not count as proof of identity. A school ID, work ID, or credit card will not work either. If you do not have any of the documents listed above, contact your local DPS office before you go in — staff can tell you whether your situation qualifies for an exception.

Proof of Residency Documents

You must show that you live at the address you are listing on your renewed license. The document must show your name and your current Texas address, and it must be dated within the last 90 days. Bring one of these:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit union statement
  • Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
  • Paycheck stub or pay statement
  • Government-issued mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
  • Affidavit of residency (if you cannot get any of the above)

If your name does not appear on the document exactly as it will on your license, bring a second document that shows both your current name and the name on the residency document. For example, if you recently married and changed your name, a utility bill under your maiden name plus a marriage certificate would work.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use an affidavit of residency signed by someone who will let you use their address. That person must sign the affidavit in front of a notary public. Bring the completed affidavit plus proof that the other person lives at that address.

Name Change Documents

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change. The DPS will not issue a license with a new name without it. Acceptable documents include:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for name change
  • Adoption papers

Bring the original or a certified copy. If the document is from another state or country, bring it along with an official English translation if it is not already in English.

Social Security Number and Other Information

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you renew. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099. If you do not have your number memorized and cannot find a document showing it, you can request it from the Social Security Administration before your DPS appointment.

You will also need to know your current address, your phone number, and your email address. If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), you will need to know whether you wear them for driving. Bring your current prescription if you have had an eye exam recently and want to update your vision correction status.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, staff will check your documents and ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your renewed license. They will take a new photo and may ask you to read a line of text to verify your vision. You will pay the renewal fee — the amount depends on whether you are renewing for four or six years — and receive a temporary paper license to use while your new card is mailed to you.

Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary paper license is valid. Keep it with you until the card comes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. You will need to take the written test and the driving test. Contact your local DPS office to schedule an appointment for a new license.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, military ID, or permanent resident card instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I know my number?

No, but it makes the process faster. If you do not bring your card, bring another document showing your number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you bring neither, staff will ask you to recite your number, and they may verify it with the Social Security Administration before issuing your license.

What if my address on my utility bill does not match the address I want on my license?

Bring a second document that shows your current address. For example, if you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement for your new place. Both documents together prove where you live now.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

No. You must be present in person at the DPS office to renew your license. You will need to sign forms and have your photo taken. A family member or representative cannot do this on your behalf.