What documents to bring to the DPS office

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The specific documents accepted depend on which ones you have, but DPS maintains a list of approved documents for each category.

For proof of identity, you can use your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. For proof of residency, DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have a current Texas driver's license, you will also need to provide your Social Security number or a document showing it.

Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If any document is not in English, bring both the original and an official English translation.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current driver's license, one form of identity proof, and one form of residency proof dated within 90 days.
  • DPS accepts common documents like utility bills, bank statements, passports, and birth certificates — you do not need all of them, just one of each type.
  • You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website if your license is not expired by more than two years.
  • The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person; mail renewals take longer and online renewals are fastest.

Three ways to renew: in person, by mail, or online

Texas offers three renewal routes, and which one works for you depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. The fastest is online through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov — you can complete the entire process from home, pay the fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is open to you if your license expired no more than two years ago and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by requesting an process from DPS, filling it out, and mailing it with your documents and payment. This route takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because your documents have to travel to the DPS office and your new license has to travel back. You can request the mail process by calling the DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6900.

Renewing in person at a DPS office is the most straightforward if you have time. Bring your documents and payment, complete a form at the office, have your photo taken, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the DPS website.

The renewal fee and payment methods

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $33 to renew. An eight-year license costs $66. These are the standard fees as of now, though DPS can adjust them — check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm the current amount.

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, a personal check, or a debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can include a check or money order with your process. If you renew online, you will pay the fee with a debit or credit card as part of the online process.

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 will need to take a written test and a driving test, not just submit documents and pay a fee. You will also need to provide the same identity and residency documents as a renewal, plus pass a vision screening.

Reapplication takes longer than renewal and costs more. You will need to schedule an appointment at a DPS office to take the tests. If you have not driven in a long time or are unsure about the written test, DPS publishes a study guide on its website that covers Texas traffic laws and road signs.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can still renew online as long as your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not changed your name. However, if you are moving out of state or changing your address and renewing by mail or in person, bring a residency document showing your new address.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, the renewal process is different. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring the same identity and residency documents, your current CDL, and proof of a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within the past 24 months.

CDL renewal also requires you to pass a vision screening at the DPS office. The fee for a four-year CDL is $33, the same as a standard license. If your CDL has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the written and driving tests.

What to do if you lose your documents before your appointment

If you cannot find your current driver's license or your identity or residency documents before you go to renew, contact DPS to ask what alternatives they accept. For example, if you do not have a recent utility bill, you might be able to bring a different residency document like a lease or mortgage statement. If you have lost your birth certificate, you can order a replacement from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit, though this takes time.

Do not delay your renewal hoping to find the documents. Instead, call the DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6900 and describe what you have. They can tell you whether it will work or what else you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 12 months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date 4 or 8 years from the date you renew.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but DPS recommends scheduling one to reduce wait times. You can schedule an appointment on the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6900. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours.

What if I move out of Texas before my license expires?

You should get a driver's license from your new state. Your Texas license will no longer be valid once you establish residency elsewhere. When you explore for a license in your new state, you will typically surrender your Texas license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew in person or online, your new license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewals take longer, typically three to four weeks, because DPS has to receive your process and documents first. Check the DPS website for current processing times, as they can vary.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

No. Your renewed license is mailed directly to the address on file with DPS. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. If you need to change the mailing address before your license arrives, contact DPS as soon as possible.