What to bring when you renew in Texas

To renew your Texas driver license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a specific list of documents they accept for each category, and you must bring at least one from the identity section and one from the residency section. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your renewal, so it helps to know exactly what counts before you go to the DPS office.

You do not need to bring your current license if it is still valid, though it can speed up the process. If your license is expired, you should bring it anyway — the DPS can still use it to verify your information. Bring originals, not copies, because the DPS staff need to see the actual documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and one proving you live in Texas (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • Your Social Security number is required, and you can provide it verbally or on the process form at the DPS office.
  • If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change.
  • Renewals by mail are available in Texas only if you meet specific conditions, such as being over 79 or having a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office.
  • The DPS charges a fee for renewal that varies depending on whether you renew in person or by mail, and how long you want the license to be valid.

Acceptable documents for proof of identity

The DPS accepts a wide range of identity documents. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. So do a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), a military ID, or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you have a previous Texas driver license or ID card, that counts as identity proof too.

If none of those explore to you, the DPS also accepts a consular ID card issued by a foreign government, a visa, or a travel permit. The document must be current or expired no more than two years ago. If your identity document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation along with the original.

Acceptable documents for proof of residency

Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current Texas address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) works if it is dated within the last 60 days. So do a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. A government check or benefit statement (such as a Social Security statement) also counts if it shows your current address.

If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your own name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, along with a document proving that person lives there. This is common for people living with family or in shared housing. The affidavit must state that you live at that address and be signed in front of a notary public.

What to do if your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document must be an official copy from the court or vital records office, not a photocopy you made yourself.

If your name change document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation. The DPS will use this document to update your name in their system, so your new license will reflect the current name you want to use.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

You can renew by mail only if you meet one of these conditions: you are 79 years old or older, you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting a DPS office, you are on active military duty stationed outside Texas, or you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States. If you may have access to, you can request a renewal process by visiting the DPS website or calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6789.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. You will need to mail in the same documents you would bring in person, along with the completed process form. The DPS will mail your new license to the address you provide. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at a DPS office is faster.

Fees and how long your renewed license lasts

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The DPS also charges different fees for in-person renewal versus mail renewal. Fees change periodically, so check the DPS website or call ahead to find out the current cost before you go to the office.

When you renew, you can choose how long you want the license to last — five years or eight years. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for longer. If you are over 85, your license will be valid for five years regardless of which option you choose.

Where to go and what to expect

You can renew at any DPS Driver License office in Texas. You do not have to go to the office in your county — any office will do. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though hours vary by location. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and wait to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign the process. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if your documents are in order. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Texas does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail if you meet the requirements for mail renewal. You cannot renew through a third-party website or service.

What if my license is expired?

You can still renew an expired license at a DPS office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal. If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test, so call ahead to confirm what you need.

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

Appointments are not required for renewal in most Texas DPS offices, but some offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website to see if your local office offers appointments and to find the office nearest you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to renew your driver license in Texas. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can renew your license.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must appear in person at a DPS office to renew your license, except for mail renewal if you may have access to. The DPS needs to take a new photo and get your signature on the process. If you cannot visit an office, mail renewal is your only option.