Gather these documents before you go to the DPS office
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a specific list of documents they accept, and bringing the wrong ones will send you home to get the right ones.
For proof of identity, bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or birth certificate. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. A bank statement or insurance policy will also work. The document must show your full name and current address.
Bring your current license itself, even if it is expired. If your license was lost or stolen, you will need to report that to DPS and follow a different process — contact your local DPS office first to ask what to do.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (your current license or passport), proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your current license to renew.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or any government letter showing your name and current address from the last three months.
- If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any DPS office, by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, or online through the DPS website if you are renewing early.
- The renewal fee is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
Renew by mail if your license is not yet expired
If your Texas driver's license has not expired, you can renew by mail without going to a DPS office. You will still need to send in the same documents — your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — along with a completed process form.
Request the mail renewal form from the DPS website or call your local DPS office to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks after DPS receives your packet.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to update your address, or if you want to change your name on the license. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Renew online if you are renewing early
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed. You also cannot change your address or name online.
To renew online, go to the DPS website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $61 for a five-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing early and do not need to make any changes to your license information. If you have questions about whether you are may be able to access, the DPS website has a tool that checks your renewal status.
Renew in person at a DPS office if you need to change information
If your address has changed, your name has changed, or your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring all your documents — current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and any legal documents showing name changes — to the office.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. Early morning or mid-week visits usually have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
At the office, you will fill out an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is $61 for a five-year license or $123 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks.
What to do 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 explore for a new license instead. This is a different process that requires you to pass a written test and a driving test, and it takes longer than a standard renewal.
Contact your local DPS office or visit the DPS website to find out what documents you need for a new license process and how to schedule your tests. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, plus any documents showing name changes.
Bring your Social Security number or a proof document
DPS requires you to provide your Social Security number when you renew. You can give it verbally at the office, or you can bring a document that shows it — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and do not have a document showing it, call DPS ahead of time to ask what to do.
If you are a non-citizen, you will need to bring your immigration documents as well. Bring your passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card. DPS will make a copy and return the original to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?
Yes. Texas allows renewal by mail or in person even if your license expired while you were away. You will need to bring proof that you were out of state during the expiration period — a lease, utility bill, or employment letter from another state. If you cannot provide that proof, you may need to explore for a new license instead of renewing.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not know my number?
You can still renew. Tell the DPS office staff that you do not have your number memorized and do not have a document showing it. They will ask you questions to verify your identity instead. Bring extra proof of identity if you can — a passport, military ID, or birth certificate — to make the process faster.
Do I need an eye exam to renew my license in Texas?
No eye exam is required for a standard renewal. However, if you have a medical condition that affects your vision or driving ability, DPS may require you to have an exam and bring the results. The office staff will tell you if this applies to you when you arrive.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks after you renew. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, which is valid for 45 days.
Can I renew my license if my name is different from my birth certificate?
Yes, as long as you bring the legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your license to match the name on that document. If you have had multiple name changes, bring all the documents in order.