The documents Texas requires for a standard renewal

To renew a Texas driver's license by mail or online, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. Texas does not require you to bring original documents to a mail-in renewal — photocopies or digital images work. The state's list is short because it already has your information on file; renewal is mainly about confirming you still live in Texas and that your identity documents haven't changed.

If you're renewing in person at a driver's license office, the rules are the same, but staff will examine the documents themselves rather than accepting copies. Most people renew by mail or through the online portal to avoid a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide one document proving your identity (a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate) and one proving your current Texas address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • Your current Texas driver's license counts as both identity and residency proof if it shows your current address, so you may only need to submit that one document.
  • If you've changed your name, you need a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — in addition to the standard documents.
  • Mail-in and online renewals accept photocopies or digital images; you do not need to send originals or get documents notarized.
  • If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must prove your new address with a document dated within the last 90 days.

Proof of identity documents Texas accepts

Texas accepts a narrow list of identity documents. A U.S. passport (book or card), a military ID card, a certified copy of your birth certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization all work. A state ID card from another state does not count as proof of identity for renewal purposes — it's treated as a document you're replacing, not a document that proves who you are.

Your current Texas driver's license itself serves as proof of identity if you're renewing it. You don't need a separate identity document if your license is still valid and you're just extending it. This is why most renewals require only the license itself plus proof of your current address.

If you've lost your passport or military ID and don't have a birth certificate, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or from the state where you were born. This takes one to two weeks by mail and costs between $20 and $30 depending on the state.

Proof of residency: what counts and what doesn't

Texas requires one document showing your current address, dated within 90 days of when you submit your renewal. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill all work. Insurance documents, phone bills, and medical bills do not count.

If your current license already shows your current address, you don't need a separate residency document — the license itself proves you live where you say you do. This is the most common scenario for standard renewals.

If you've moved since your license was issued, you must provide a residency document from your new address. The document must be dated after you moved there. If you just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, a bank statement or credit card statement mailed to your new address works, as long as it's dated within 90 days.

Name changes and supporting documents

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must submit a certified copy of the document that changed it. A certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree, or a certified court order of name change all may have access to. "Certified" means the document has an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency; a photocopy you made yourself does not count.

You can order a certified marriage certificate or divorce decree from the county clerk's office where the event was recorded. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. If you changed your name by court order, the district court that issued the order can provide a certified copy.

Submit the certified name-change document along with your identity and residency documents. If you're renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the certified document; if you're renewing online, you'll upload an image of it.

How to submit documents by mail

The Texas Department of Public Safety provides a renewal process form (Form DL-44) that you can print or request by mail. You include photocopies of your documents with the form, your current license, and the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — it varies by region, so check the DPS website to find your regional office.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. You can track your renewal status online using your license number and date of birth. If the DPS needs additional documents, it will mail you a notice asking for them; this delays processing by another week or two.

Keep copies of everything you send. If a document gets lost in the mail, you'll have proof you submitted it.

Online renewal and document upload requirements

Texas allows online renewal through its DPS website if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. During online renewal, you upload digital images of your documents — a photo or scan of your identity document and residency document. The images must be clear enough to read all text and must show the entire document.

You can use a smartphone camera to photograph documents. Make sure the lighting is even, the document is flat, and all four corners are visible. Blurry or partially cut-off images will be rejected, and the DPS will ask you to resubmit.

Online renewal is faster than mail renewal — processing typically takes one to two weeks. You'll receive your new license by mail at the address on file.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

If you renew in person, bring your original documents, not copies. A DPS employee will examine them to confirm they're genuine. You'll also have your photo taken and may be asked to pass a vision test. Bring your current license and the documents listed above.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can make an appointment online through the DPS website to reduce wait time. Your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days; the DPS will mail it to your address on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be renewed by mail or in person. Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and driving test; check the DPS website or call your local office to confirm.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit (if you were born in Texas) or from the state where you were born. This takes one to two weeks and costs $20 to $30. A military ID card or Certificate of Naturalization also works if you have one.

Do I need to get my documents notarized?

No. Texas does not require notarization for driver's license renewal documents. Photocopies and digital images are accepted for mail and online renewals. Notarization adds cost and time with no benefit for this process.

What if my residency document is older than 90 days?

You'll need a newer one. Request a duplicate statement from your utility company, bank, or credit card issuer. Most can email or mail a current statement within a few days at no cost. If your current license shows your current address, you don't need a separate residency document at all.

Can I submit documents by email instead of mail?

No. The DPS does not accept documents by email for mail-in renewals. You must mail physical copies or use the online renewal portal, which allows you to upload images directly. Online renewal is faster and requires no postage.