Bring your current driver's license and proof of identity

Your current driver's license is your starting point — bring the physical card itself. You will also need a second form of identification that shows your full legal name and date of birth. A passport, passport card, or birth certificate all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office is the most straightforward option.

Some states accept a combination of documents instead of a single second ID. For example, a Social Security card plus a utility bill with your current address might satisfy the requirement. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because the exact list of acceptable documents varies by state.

Proof of your current address

You need a document showing your name and where you live now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document should be recent — most states want something dated within the last 60 days, though some allow up to 90 days. A cell phone bill counts in most states.

If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring the new lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead confirming your move-in date. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask them to write a brief statement on the bill itself confirming you live there, or bring a separate letter from them.

Social Security number or tax ID

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you renew. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though most DMV offices can look up your number if you provide it verbally and they can verify your identity through other documents. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your tax ID or Individual Identification Number (ITIN).

If you have changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change. The DMV will not issue a license under a new name without this paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current driver's license plus one additional form of ID showing your full legal name and date of birth, such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • Proof of your current address must be a recent document (usually within 60 days) with your name on it, like a utility bill or lease.
  • Have your Social Security number ready; you can provide it verbally if you do not have the card itself.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring the court order or marriage certificate documenting the change.
  • Check your state's DMV website before you go, because acceptable documents vary by state and sometimes by local office.

What to bring if you have changed your name

A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for legal name change — whichever applies to you — is required. The document must be an official copy, not a photocopy you made yourself. If you got married or divorced outside the United States, bring the official document plus an English translation certified by a translator.

Some states also require a certified copy, meaning it has been stamped by the court or vital records office. Call your DMV ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document qualifies as certified. Having the wrong version of the document can mean a wasted trip.

Documents you may need if you are renewing by mail or online

Not all states allow mail or online renewal, and those that do often have stricter document requirements than in-person renewal. If your state offers remote renewal, you will typically need to submit color copies or photos of your documents rather than originals. Some states use a mobile app where you photograph each document; others ask you to mail copies in.

If you are renewing by mail, send copies, not originals — the DMV will not return them. Use a tracking method so you know the envelope arrived. Some states require notarized copies of certain documents like proof of address; check the renewal instructions your state sends you before you mail anything.

What to bring if you need a corrected or duplicate license

If you are correcting an error on your current license (a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong eye color), bring the same documents as a standard renewal plus any paperwork that proves the error. For example, if your name is misspelled, a birth certificate or marriage certificate showing the correct spelling helps the DMV fix it quickly.

If you are getting a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, bring your proof of identity and address as usual. Some states charge a higher fee for a duplicate than for a regular renewal. You do not need to file a police report to get a duplicate, though some people do for their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of going to the DMV?

Most states require you to have your photo taken at the DMV office during renewal. A few states allow you to submit a digital photo if you renew by mail or online, but the photo must meet specific requirements — usually a plain background, head-on angle, and recent date. Check your state's website for the exact rules before you submit a photo remotely.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

An uncertified copy usually will not work. Contact your state's vital records office (often part of the health department) and request a certified copy. This typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail, though many states offer rush processing for an extra fee. Some vital records offices let you pick up a certified copy in person the same day.

Do I need to bring my old license if it is expired?

Yes, bring it even if it is expired. An expired license still counts as proof of identity and makes the renewal process faster. If your license was lost or stolen, tell the DMV staff when you arrive so they can note it in their system.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?

Other documents work: a bank statement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, car insurance bill, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead with your name and address. Some states accept a notarized letter from a friend or family member confirming you live with them. Call your DMV to ask what they will accept before you gather documents.