Documents Required for Texas Driver's License Renewal
To renew your Texas driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current or expired license. The specific documents accepted vary depending on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license has been expired for more than two years.
If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and provide a new photograph.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current or expired Texas driver's license plus one document proving your identity and one proving your current address.
- Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate; acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period; you can pay by cash, check, or card at an office, or by card if renewing online.
Proof of Identity Documents Accepted by Texas DPS
Texas DPS accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. Your current or expired Texas driver's license counts as proof of identity on its own. If you do not have your license or it was lost or stolen, you must bring one of the following: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID card, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is a certified copy, it must have been issued by the vital statistics office in the state or country where you were born. Some documents, such as a passport, also serve as proof of residency if they show your current address, which can reduce the number of documents you need to bring.
Proof of Residency: What Documents Work
You must bring one document showing your current Texas address. The document must have been issued or dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment. Accepted residency documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a paycheck stub, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return.
The document must show your name and your current street address in Texas. A P.O. box does not count as a residential address. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document dated within the last 90 days, you may bring two documents showing your old address plus a document showing your new address, such as a change of address confirmation from the U.S. Postal Service or a utility company.
In-Person Renewal vs. Mail and Online Renewal
If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office. To renew by mail, you mail your completed process form (DL-44), your documents, and your fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes approximately four to six weeks. To renew online, you visit the Texas DPS website, create or log into your account, and pay the fee by card — you do not mail physical documents.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a vision test and have a new photograph taken. Bring all required documents, your current or expired license, and your fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Some DPS offices accept appointments through their website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary by location and time of day.
Special Situations: Name Changes, Corrections, and Renewals After Extended Expiration
If your name has changed since your license was issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This applies whether you are renewing by mail or in person.
If there is an error on your current license (such as a misspelled name or wrong address), you can correct it during renewal. Bring documentation supporting the correction, such as a birth certificate for a name error or a utility bill for an address error. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot correct errors by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person.
Fees and Payment Methods for Texas Driver's License Renewal
The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Real ID compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses. The Texas DPS website lists current fees by license type.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — cash cannot be mailed. If you renew online, you must pay by card. Some DPS offices may have additional fees if you need a duplicate license or a replacement due to loss or theft.
Timeline and What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
If you renew by mail, your new license arrives in approximately four to six weeks. If you renew online, your license is mailed to you within the same timeframe. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. You can drive legally during the renewal period. If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, you can contact the Texas DPS to check the status of your renewal using your driver's license number or process reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if I do not have my current license?
Yes. Bring one of the accepted identity documents listed by Texas DPS, such as a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate, plus proof of residency. If your license was lost or stolen, you may need to pay an additional fee for a replacement or duplicate license.
What if my address on my driver's license is different from my current address?
Bring a document showing your current address dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill or bank statement. If you do not have a recent document, bring two documents showing your old address plus a document confirming your new address, such as a postal service change of address form.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license to renew in Texas?
No. You can renew a standard driver's license. However, if you want a Real ID compliant license (required for federal air travel after May 2025), you must request it during renewal and bring additional documents such as a certified birth certificate and proof of Social Security number.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives with an error?
Contact the Texas DPS with your license number and the error. You can request a correction by mail or in person. Bring documentation supporting the correction, such as a birth certificate for a name error. A corrected license will be mailed to you.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
If you renew by mail or online, your license is mailed to your address on file — you do not pick it up in person. If you renew in person and receive a temporary paper license, only you can pick up your plastic license at the DPS office unless you have authorized someone in writing beforehand.