Documents and information Texas requires for 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 Social Security number. The specific documents accepted depend on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online — and not all renewal methods accept the same documents.
If you are renewing in person at a DPS office, bring your current driver's license or ID card, one document proving your current Texas address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photograph taken.
If you are renewing by mail, the requirements are narrower: you can only renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information since your last renewal. Mail renewal requires your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of your Texas address dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number or card.
- Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and nothing about your identity or address has changed since your last renewal.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available for some drivers but has stricter may be able to access rules than in-person or mail renewal.
- Your license must be renewed before it expires; you cannot renew an expired license by mail or online and must go to a DPS office instead.
- Vision tests are required for in-person renewal and cannot be waived, even if you have worn the same glasses prescription for years.
When you can renew online instead of visiting an office
Texas allows online renewal through its DPS website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, you do not need to update your photograph, and your license was not suspended or revoked.
Online renewal also requires that your license was issued after January 1, 2010, and that you have a valid email address on file with DPS. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person or mail renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet these conditions — for example, if your address has changed or your license has expired — you must renew in person at a DPS office. There is no exception to this rule, and attempting to renew online when you are ineligible will result in a rejection and may delay your renewal.
Proof of residency documents DPS will accept
DPS accepts a limited list of documents as proof of your current Texas address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all count.
Documents that do not count include bank statements, credit card statements, insurance documents, or letters from employers. DPS also does not accept documents showing a post office box as your address; your proof of residency must show a physical street address in Texas.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a lease plus a piece of mail from a government agency. Ask the DPS office staff which combination they will accept before your appointment, because the rules can vary slightly between offices.
Fees and how long renewal takes
The cost of renewing a standard five-year Texas driver's license is $33. An eight-year license costs $48. These fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. DPS does not offer refunds if you change your mind after paying.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day you visit the office, though you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive.
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website or ask for a paper receipt at the office showing you have renewed. This receipt is not a valid ID for driving, but it shows law enforcement that your renewal is in process if you are stopped.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.
There is no penalty for renewing an expired license, and DPS will not charge you extra. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you may receive a citation, even if you have a receipt showing you have renewed.
If your license expired more than two years ago, DPS may require you to retake the written driving test and the vision test, in addition to the standard renewal requirements. Call your local DPS office or check the DPS website to confirm what you will need before you go in.
Name changes and other updates during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person and bring documentation of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not process a name change by mail or online.
If you have changed your address, you can renew in person with your new proof of residency, or you can update your address separately through the DPS website before renewing online. Updating your address online takes a few minutes and costs nothing; you can then renew your license online if you meet the other may be able to access rules.
If you need to change your photograph — for example, because you have significantly changed your appearance — you must renew in person. You cannot update your photograph by mail or online under any circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security card?
Yes. You can bring any document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or benefits statement. You do not have to carry the card itself. If you do not have any document with your number, DPS can look it up if you provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information.
What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease for proof of residency?
Bring two documents together that show your name and address. For example, a lease plus a letter from your bank, or a mortgage statement plus a piece of mail from a government agency. The documents do not both have to be dated within 90 days — only one needs to be recent. Ask the DPS office which combination they will accept.
Do I have to take a new photograph when I renew?
If you renew in person, yes — a new photograph is required and cannot be waived. If you renew by mail or online, your photograph from your current license will be used on your new license. You can only update your photograph by renewing in person at a DPS office.
How long is my temporary license good for while I wait for my new one?
A temporary license printed from the DPS website or a paper receipt from the office is not a valid form of ID for driving. It only shows that your renewal is in process. You cannot legally drive with it. You must wait for your new license to arrive by mail before you can drive again.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court. Contact your local DPS office or the DPS website to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.