Bring these documents to your DPS office

You need to bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to renew in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not process your renewal without all three, so gathering them before you go saves a trip back home.

Your current license serves as your primary ID. If you've lost it, you can still renew, but you'll need to bring two forms of identity instead of one, plus an additional document proving your Social Security number. This makes the process longer, so locate your license first if you can.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current Texas driver's license, one proof of identity, and one proof of residency to renew in person.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate; a Social Security card alone is not enough.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • If you've lost your license, bring two identity documents instead of one, plus a document showing your Social Security number.
  • DPS offices do not accept expired documents for residency proof, so check dates before you leave home.

Proof of identity documents DPS will accept

You need one document from this list. A Social Security card by itself does not count as proof of identity, even though you'll need your Social Security number. The document must show your name and either your date of birth or a photo.

Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID card, certified birth certificate (not a hospital record), tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you were born outside the U.S. and don't have a passport, a consular report is your path forward — your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. can issue one.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change must come with you. DPS will not accept a document showing a different name without proof of why it changed.

Proof of residency: what counts and what doesn't

You need one document showing your current Texas address. It must be dated within the last 90 days. DPS will not accept anything older, even if it's still valid in other contexts.

Documents that work include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, a bank or credit union statement, or a government check. If you receive mail from a government agency — a tax refund, Social Security statement, or unemployment notice — that counts too.

Documents that do not work include a driver's license (that's your identity document), a post office box receipt, a cell phone bill alone, or anything showing a business address instead of a home address. If you've just moved and haven't received a bill yet, a lease agreement or a notarized letter from your landlord stating your move-in date can work, but call your local DPS office first to confirm they'll accept it.

If you've lost your license or it was stolen

Bring two forms of identity instead of one. You still need proof of residency. The two identity documents don't have to be the same type — you could bring a passport and a birth certificate, for example.

You'll also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. If you don't have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to DPS, though that takes additional time.

Name changes and other updates

If your name has changed, bring the document proving it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your license to match. If you're changing your address, your proof of residency document serves that purpose; you don't need anything extra.

If you want to update your gender marker, bring a certified copy of a court order or a certified vital record (birth certificate) showing the change. Not all states issue updated birth certificates for gender changes, so check with your state of birth first. If you were born in Texas, the Texas Vital Statistics Unit can issue an amended certificate.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card unless you've lost your license and don't have other proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship — a U.S. passport or military ID shows that — and you do not need to bring your vehicle registration or insurance card. Those are for driving, not for proving who you are.

You do not need to bring original documents in most cases. DPS will make copies. However, if you're bringing a certified birth certificate or court order, ask the DPS clerk whether they need the original or will accept a copy; policies can vary by office.

What to do if you can't find a document

If you don't have your current license, get a replacement Social Security card or birth certificate first. Both take time to arrive by mail. A replacement Social Security card takes one to two weeks; a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office takes two to four weeks depending on the state.

If you've moved recently and don't have a utility bill or lease agreement yet, call your local DPS office and ask what they'll accept as temporary proof of residency. Some offices accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement showing your new address. Getting approval before you go prevents a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew if my address on my current license is outdated?

Yes. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. DPS will update your address during the renewal process. You don't need to update it separately first.

What if my birth certificate doesn't show my current legal name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will use both to update your license correctly.

Do I need an original certified birth certificate or will a copy work?

Call your local DPS office before you go. Most accept certified copies, but some require the original. Having this confirmed saves you a trip back home if you bring the wrong version.

Can I use a lease agreement if it doesn't have my name on it?

No. Your proof of residency must show your name and your current address. If you're on a lease with a roommate or family member, bring a utility bill or bank statement instead, or ask the landlord for a notarized letter confirming you live there.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport still works as proof of identity for a driver's license renewal. DPS does not require it to be current. However, if you need your passport for travel, renew it separately through the State Department.