Documents Required for a Standard Texas Renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license by mail or online, you will need to send or upload proof of your current identity and your current address. Texas does not require you to submit original documents — copies are acceptable for mail renewals, though online renewals work differently and may not require documents at all if your license is not expired.
The specific documents depend on whether you are renewing before your license expires, after it has expired, or if you have had a name change since your last license was issued. Most people renewing before expiration can use a straightforward mail-in process that requires minimal paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- For a standard renewal before your license expires, you typically need only proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office and will need a birth certificate or passport.
- Name changes require an original or certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Online renewals through the Texas DPS website may not require you to submit documents if your license is current and you meet other conditions.
- Copies of documents are acceptable for mail renewal, but originals or certified copies are required for in-person renewal.
Proof of Current Address
Texas accepts several documents as proof that you live at the address you are providing. The document must be dated within 90 days of when you submit your renewal. A utility bill in your name, a lease agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. If you receive mail from a government agency at your address — such as a tax return or voter registration card — that also counts.
If you do not have any of these documents in your name, you can use a notarized affidavit stating your current address, signed by a notary public. This is less common but available if you have recently moved and have not yet received bills in your new name.
Proof of Identity for First-Time or Expired Renewals
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person. For this in-person renewal, you will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card).
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you may still be able to renew by mail or online without submitting identity documents, depending on your specific situation. Contact the Texas DPS or check the renewal notice you received to confirm which method you can use.
Documents for a Name Change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must provide an original or certified copy of the document that caused the change. A certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name all satisfy this requirement. You cannot use a photocopy — it must be an original or certified by the issuing agency.
You can obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree from the county clerk's office in the county where the event occurred. Court orders are available from the district court that issued them. These documents typically cost between $10 and $25 per copy.
What You Do Not Need to Submit
You do not need to submit your current license, a Social Security card, or proof of insurance. You do not need a medical exam or vision test for a standard renewal if your license is not expired. Texas does not require you to submit fingerprints or a new photograph for a mail renewal — the DPS will use your existing photograph from your current license.
If you are renewing online through the Texas DPS website, the system will tell you exactly which documents, if any, you need to upload. Many online renewals require no documents at all if your license is current and you meet the other conditions for online renewal.
How to Submit Documents by Mail
If you are renewing by mail, make copies of all required documents and include them with your renewal process. Do not send original documents unless the renewal notice specifically asks for them — copies are sufficient. Place the copies in the envelope with your completed process form and mail everything to the address listed on your renewal notice or on the Texas DPS website.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and processing typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope. If documents are missing or unclear, the DPS will contact you by mail, which can delay your renewal by several weeks.
Renewing Online and Document Requirements
The Texas DPS online renewal system at dps.texas.gov allows you to renew without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. Your license must not be expired, you must have a valid email address on file, and you must not have had certain violations or changes to your record. The online system will ask you to upload documents only if required for your specific situation.
If the system asks you to upload documents, you will need to scan or photograph them and upload the image files. Acceptable formats are PDF, JPG, or PNG. Make sure the image is clear and readable — blurry or cut-off documents will be rejected, and you will be asked to resubmit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew if I do not have a current address document?
If you cannot provide a utility bill or other document dated within 90 days, you can have a notary public sign an affidavit confirming your address. Some DPS offices also accept a letter from a government agency, landlord, or employer on letterhead confirming your current address, though policies vary by office. Call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept.
What if my birth certificate is not certified?
For in-person renewal, you need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A regular photocopy is not acceptable. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or from the county where you were born. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, though expedited options are available for an additional fee.
Do I need to notarize my renewal process?
No, your renewal process does not need to be notarized for a standard mail or online renewal. Notarization is only required if you are using an affidavit to prove your current address because you do not have other acceptable documents.
What happens if I send the wrong documents?
The DPS will contact you by mail and ask you to send the correct documents. This delays your renewal by at least two to three weeks. To avoid this, check your renewal notice carefully before mailing, or use the online system, which tells you exactly what is needed before you submit anything.
Can someone else mail in my renewal documents for me?
Yes, a family member or friend can mail your completed process and documents on your behalf. Make sure all required documents are included and that your process is signed. The DPS will mail your new license to the address you listed on the process, so make sure that address is correct.