Bring these documents to your renewal appointment
When you renew your Texas driver's license, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will ask you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You do not need to bring everything listed below — you need one document from each category. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the list says otherwise.
The specific documents you need depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your name, address, or other information has changed since your last license. If nothing has changed and you are renewing by mail, you may not need to bring anything at all — you will mail your documents instead. If you are renewing in person at a DPS office, bring at least one form of ID, one proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document proving your identity (such as a passport or previous driver's license), one proving your current Texas address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number.
- If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must show your current address and be dated within the last 90 days.
- If you are renewing by mail and nothing has changed, you typically mail only your current license and the renewal form; bring nothing to an office.
- Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency documents.
Documents that prove your identity
The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a previous Texas driver's license, a military ID, or a state ID card from another state. If your passport or military ID is expired, it still counts as proof of identity. You do not need to bring more than one.
If you do not have any of these, the DPS will accept a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card), or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These are less common but work if you have them on hand.
Documents that prove your Texas address
Bring one document showing your current address in Texas. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement all work. The document must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 90 days. A bill from three months ago is acceptable; a bill from four months ago is not.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, other options include a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a government check or benefit statement, or a letter from your employer showing your address. The DPS website lists additional acceptable documents if none of these fit your situation.
Proof of your Social Security number
Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your number — a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a bank statement, or a benefit statement from Social Security, unemployment, or another government program. If you do not have your card and cannot find a document with your number, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DPS appointment, though this takes time.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a Social Security number, tell the DPS staff when you arrive. They will direct you to complete a different process.
If your name has changed
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name. This is usually a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. The document must be a certified copy — a photocopy or an uncertified original will not work. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was filed, usually for a small fee.
If you changed your name through a legal name change court order (rather than through marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order. If you have not yet received the certified copy and your appointment is soon, call the DPS office where you have your appointment scheduled and ask whether they will accept an uncertified copy temporarily while you obtain the certified version.
If you are renewing by mail
If you are renewing by mail and your name and address have not changed, you typically mail only your current driver's license and the renewal form — you do not need to bring documents to an office. The DPS will mail you a new license at the address on file.
If your name or address has changed, or if the DPS asks you to renew in person, you will need to visit a DPS office in Texas with the documents listed above. You cannot mail documents for a name or address change; the DPS requires you to appear in person and show originals.
What to expect at your appointment
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents in a folder or envelope. A DPS staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. The process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If a document is missing or unclear, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You can return to the same office with the missing document, or you can start over at a different DPS office. Bring the temporary paper license with you if you return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?
No. The DPS requires original documents or certified copies for identity and residency proof. Photocopies and photos on your phone will not be accepted. Certified copies cost a small fee from the county clerk or the office that issued the document.
What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but we live at the same address?
A bill in your spouse's name will not work as proof of your residency. Bring a document that shows your name and your address. If you do not have one, ask your bank for a statement, or bring a lease or mortgage document in your name.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, tax return, or any other document showing your Social Security number is acceptable. You do not need to bring the card itself. Bring whichever document you have available.
What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have a passport?
You can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee. In the meantime, a military ID, state ID from another state, or passport card will work as proof of identity.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a current address in Texas?
No. To renew a Texas driver's license, you must provide proof of a current Texas address. If you have recently moved out of state or do not have a permanent address, you will need to address this before you can renew. Contact the DPS office in your area to discuss your situation.