Documents required for a standard Texas driver's license renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license by mail or online, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited set of documents for each category — you cannot substitute one for another, and expired documents usually do not count. The specific documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person, and whether your name or address has changed since your last license.
If your name or address has not changed and you are renewing by mail or online, the process requires fewer documents than an in-person renewal. If either has changed, you will need to visit a DPS office in person and bring additional paperwork to prove the change.
Key Takeaways
- Mail and online renewals require your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — but only if your name and address have not changed.
- If your name or address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring documents proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or utility bill.
- Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
- Your current Texas driver's license counts as proof of identity for mail and online renewals, so you do not need a second identity document if nothing has changed.
- Documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted for mail renewals, though online renewals have different rules.
Proof of identity documents Texas DPS accepts
For mail renewals, DPS accepts an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad. If you are renewing online, you can upload a digital image of one of these documents instead of mailing an original. Your current Texas driver's license also counts as proof of identity for online and mail renewals if your name has not changed.
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can use a Texas ID card, military ID, or tribal ID card. Some documents — such as a Social Security card, school ID, or work ID — do not meet DPS standards for proof of identity, even if they have your photograph on them.
Proof of residency: what documents work
Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowners insurance policy. Bank statements, credit card statements, and vehicle registration documents also count.
The document must have your name and current address printed on it. A utility bill in your spouse's name will not work unless you can also show a marriage certificate proving the name connection. If you have recently moved and your new address is not yet on any bills, you can use a lease signed by you and your landlord, or a mortgage statement from your lender.
What happens if your name or address changed
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring your current license, proof of your new name, and proof of residency. Acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change. All documents must be originals or certified copies.
If your address has changed but your name has not, you can still renew by mail or online if you have proof of your new residency. However, if you have moved out of state and back to Texas, or if your address change is very recent and you have no bills at the new address yet, an in-person visit may be faster. DPS offices can update your address on the spot and issue a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed.
Documents you bring if renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewals require your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — the same documents as mail and online renewals. If your name or address has changed, add the document proving that change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated lease). You do not need to bring originals if you have certified copies, but photocopies are not accepted.
Bring documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged during the visit. DPS staff will make copies of what they need and return your originals to you. If you are renewing someone else's license on their behalf (for example, a parent renewing a minor's license), bring the minor's current license and your own ID as well.
What you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, even though DPS will ask for your Social Security number. You do not need a physical copy of your birth certificate if you are renewing online — you can upload a photograph of it. You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any other driving-related documents.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to bring immigration documents. If you are not a U.S. citizen but hold a valid Texas driver's license, the renewal process is the same as for citizens, and you do not need to bring additional immigration paperwork unless your visa or work authorization has expired since your last license was issued.
How to submit documents by mail or online
For mail renewals, print the renewal process from the DPS website, sign it, and mail it with your documents to the address shown on the form. Include your current license, proof of identity (original or certified copy), and proof of residency. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, so DPS recommends sending it at least six weeks before your license expires.
For online renewals, visit the DPS website, create an account, and upload digital images of your documents. You will photograph your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency using your phone or computer camera. Online renewals are processed faster than mail renewals — usually within one to two weeks — and you can track the status of your process in your DPS account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital photograph of my birth certificate for a mail renewal?
No. Mail renewals require original documents or certified copies. Digital images are only accepted for online renewals. If you are mailing your process, you must include the original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office.
What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but I live at that address?
You can use it if you also bring a marriage certificate showing the name connection. DPS will accept the utility bill as proof of your residency at that address. Make sure the bill is dated within the last 90 days and shows the current address clearly.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew in person?
No. DPS will ask for your Social Security number, but you do not need to bring the card itself. You can provide the number verbally or write it on the process form. Bring your birth certificate or passport instead, which serves as proof of identity.
Can I renew by mail if I just moved and have no utility bill at my new address?
You can use a signed lease or mortgage statement instead. Both count as proof of residency if they show your name and current address. If you do not have either, an in-person visit is faster — DPS can update your address when ready and issue a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed.
What if my current license is expired by more than two years?
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus your expired license. DPS staff can tell you over the phone whether your specific situation requires additional steps.