Bring these documents to your DPS office
You need two things at your appointment: proof of identity and proof of residency. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not process your renewal without both. The specific documents that work depend on what you have — there is no single "correct" document, but the office will tell you when ready if what you brought does not meet their rules.
Bring your current driver's license or ID card. If you cannot find it, bring a passport or passport card instead. You also need one document showing your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The address on your proof of residency must match the address you give DPS at your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card, or a passport if you do not have it.
- Bring one document with your current Texas address on it, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
- If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport showing your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
- DPS offices accept documents in person, by mail, or through online renewal if you meet the requirements — check which method works for your situation before you go.
What counts as proof of identity
Your current Texas driver's license or ID card is the easiest choice. If you do not have it or it is expired, a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card (green card) all work. You can also use a certified birth certificate, but only if you also bring a second form of ID — DPS will not accept a birth certificate alone.
If you have a passport, bring the actual document, not a copy. DPS staff will look at it in person and hand it back to you. The same is true for your current license — they need to see the original.
What counts as proof of residency
Any document with your name and current Texas address printed on it works. A utility bill (electric, water, gas, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy all count. The document must have been issued within the last 90 days — DPS checks the date.
If you do not have a recent document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency instead. This is a sworn statement that you live at your address, signed in front of a notary public. You can get one from a bank, library, or notary service. This route takes more time and costs money, so check first whether you have a utility bill or lease you can use instead.
If your name has changed
Bring the document that shows your legal name change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order all work. DPS needs the original or a certified copy — a photocopy from home will not work. If you got married or divorced in another state, bring the certified copy from that state's vital records office.
If you changed your name through a court order for any other reason, bring that order. DPS will not accept a name change without legal documentation, even if you have been using a different name for years.
If you were born outside the United States
Bring a document proving your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport is the simplest option. If you do not have one, bring your birth certificate (if you became a citizen) or your permanent resident card (green card). A naturalization certificate also works.
These documents must be originals or certified copies. A photocopy will not work. If your birth certificate is from another country, bring it along with a certified English translation — you can get one from a translation service or from the country's consulate in Texas.
Documents you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, even though DPS will ask for your number. You do not need proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or anything related to your car. You do not need to bring a completed form — DPS staff will fill out the renewal paperwork with you at your appointment.
If you are renewing by mail or online, the rules are different. Mail-in renewal requires you to send copies of your documents, and online renewal only works if you meet specific requirements (your license cannot be expired by more than two years, your address has not changed, and you have not changed your name). Check the DPS website or call your local office before you decide which method to use.
What to do if you cannot find a document
Call your local DPS office before your appointment and tell them what you have. They can tell you whether your documents will work or what alternatives exist. If you are missing proof of residency, ask whether a notarized affidavit is available at that office — some offices have notaries on staff, and some do not.
If you cannot get a certified copy of a name-change document or birth certificate in time, ask DPS whether you can bring an original and a photocopy together. Some offices will accept this while they order the certified copy, though this varies by location. The only way to know is to call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?
No. DPS requires you to bring the original documents or certified copies. A photo on your phone will not work. If you are renewing by mail, you will mail copies, but the office will verify them against the originals when your renewal is processed.
Does my proof of residency address have to match my license address exactly?
Yes. If your utility bill or lease shows a different address than what is on your current license, tell DPS staff before they process your renewal. You may need to bring a second document or explain the change. If you recently moved, make sure your new address is on at least one of your documents.
What if my documents are in my maiden name but I got married?
Bring your marriage certificate along with your documents in your maiden name. DPS will use the marriage certificate to update your name in their system. You do not need to get new versions of your other documents first.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must be present at your DPS appointment. You cannot send someone else with your documents. If you cannot go in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your situation — call DPS to ask whether that option is open to you.
What if my document is expired?
An expired utility bill, lease, or bank statement will not work as proof of residency — DPS needs one issued within the last 90 days. An expired passport or driver's license can still work as proof of identity. If your only documents are expired, call your DPS office to ask what you can bring instead.