The documents Texas requires for a standard renewal

To renew your Texas driver's license by mail or online, you will need to bring or submit proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The exact documents depend on which renewal method you choose and whether you are renewing in person at a DPS office.

Texas has a list of documents it accepts for each category. You do not need to bring originals for most items — copies work fine. The key is that your documents must match the name on your current license, or you will need to explain any name changes to the DPS.

Key Takeaways

  • Your current Texas driver's license is required for any renewal, along with proof of identity and proof of residency.
  • A Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate counts as proof of identity; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement counts as proof of residency.
  • If you renew by mail, you send copies of documents; if you renew in person, bring originals or certified copies.
  • Name changes require a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • Texas accepts online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes.

Proof of identity documents Texas accepts

Texas will accept any one of these as proof of identity: a U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular ID card. Your document must show your full name and date of birth. If you use a Social Security card, you will also need to bring a second document that shows your date of birth — such as a birth certificate or passport.

Certified copies are important. A birth certificate must be certified by the vital records office that issued it, not a photocopy you made at home. If you are renewing by mail, the DPS accepts certified copies in the mail. If you are renewing in person at a DPS office, bring the original or a certified copy.

Proof of residency documents Texas accepts

Texas wants to see that you live at the address on your renewal form. You can prove this with a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government document with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, that still works — the DPS accepts documents showing your address even if your name is not on them. If you have moved recently and do not have a 90-day-old document yet, call the DPS to ask what they will accept; some offices make exceptions for recent moves.

What to bring if your name has changed

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. For marriage, that is a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, a certified copy of the final divorce decree. For a legal name change, a certified copy of the court order. These must be certified by the court or office that issued them.

You will also need your proof of identity and proof of residency as usual. The name on your proof of identity should match the name on your current license, not your new name — the DPS uses the old name to look up your record, then updates it with the certified document you bring.

Documents you need for in-person renewal at a DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license, your proof of identity document, and your proof of residency document. If you have a name change, bring the certified document as well. The DPS staff will make copies at the office, so you can bring originals or certified copies — you do not need to photocopy them yourself.

Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. If any document is worn, faded, or hard to read, bring a certified copy instead. The DPS will not accept a document it cannot read clearly enough to verify.

Documents you need for mail-in renewal

Make copies of your current license, your proof of identity, and your proof of residency. Mail these copies along with your completed renewal form to the address the DPS provides. Do not send originals — the DPS will not return them.

If you have a name change, mail a certified copy of the document that changed your name. The DPS will keep this certified copy in your file. Mail everything in an envelope marked with your name and driver's license number so the DPS can match it to your record if pages get separated.

Documents you need for online renewal

Texas allows online renewal only if your license is not expired, you have no address change, and you have no name change. If you meet these conditions, you do not need to submit documents — you log into your account on the Texas DPS website and complete the renewal there. The system verifies your identity using information already in the DPS database.

If your license is expired, you have moved, or your name has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. Online renewal is not an option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of mailing copies?

No. The DPS requires actual copies or originals, not photos. If you are renewing by mail, print or photocopy your documents and mail them. If you are renewing in person, bring the documents themselves.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document dated within 90 days?

Call your local DPS office and explain your situation. Some offices accept older documents or alternative proof if you have recently moved. They may ask you to bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your address.

Do I need to get my birth certificate certified if I already have the original?

If you have the original birth certificate issued by the vital records office, you do not need a separate certified copy — the original is certified. If you have a photocopy or a document from a hospital, you will need to order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What happens if I mail my documents and they get lost?

The DPS recommends sending documents by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If documents are lost, contact the DPS with your tracking number. They may ask you to resubmit copies or come in person. Keep copies of everything you mail for your own records.

Can I renew if my current license is expired?

Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring or mail the same documents you would for a standard renewal. An expired license does not disqualify you — the DPS will issue a new one with an updated expiration date.