What documents to bring to the DPS office

Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you renew your driver license in person. You do not need all three types of documents — you need one from each category. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes a list of acceptable documents for each, and most people have at least one option in their home.

For identity, you can bring a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. For residency, acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the document requirements are different and fewer — you will not need to bring anything in person, but you will need to submit copies or information by mail or through the online portal.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a DPS office unless you meet narrow conditions for mail or online renewal, such as being over 79 or having a medical condition.
  • Bring one proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID), one proof of residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement), and one proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return).
  • Your current license, a completed DL 43 form, and payment for the renewal fee are also required at the office.
  • Processing times vary, but you typically receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks after your office visit.

Your current license and the DL 43 form

Bring your current Texas driver license to the DPS office. If you have lost it or it was stolen, tell the DPS staff when you arrive — you can still renew, but you may need to answer additional security questions or provide extra proof of identity.

You also need to complete a DL 43 form, which is the process for Texas Driver License. You can fill it out before you go to the office or fill it out there. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether any of your information has changed since your last license. Printing it ahead of time can speed up your visit, though the office has copies available.

Payment and fees

Texas driver license renewal fees vary depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard renewal for a license valid for five years costs one amount; a renewal for a license valid for eight years costs more. Military members and certain other groups may pay a different fee.

The DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Online renewal, where available, typically accepts credit or debit card only.

Age-specific requirements

If you are 79 or older, you may renew by mail instead of in person. You will need to submit your current license, a completed DL 43 form, payment, and a vision test report from an eye doctor. The vision test must be dated within the last 90 days.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the DPS office during your renewal. Bring the same documents you would for an adult renewal, plus documentation of the guardian's relationship to you, such as a birth certificate or custody order.

When your license is expiring soon

You can renew your Texas driver license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a DPS office, but you may face a longer wait and additional processing time.

Check your license to see the expiration date printed on the front. If you are unsure whether you need to renew, you can look up your license status on the Texas DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth.

Renewing by mail or online

Most people renew in person, but Texas offers mail renewal for drivers 79 and older and online renewal for certain drivers who meet specific conditions. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that restrict your driving, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal requires a vision test report and is limited to older drivers.

If you are not sure whether you meet the conditions for mail or online renewal, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 or visit a local DPS office. Staff can tell you which renewal method is available to you based on your situation.

What happens after you visit the office

After you complete your renewal at the DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided on your DL 43 form. Most people receive their new license within two to three weeks, though processing can take longer during busy periods.

If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license with you while you drive, as it is your proof of a valid license until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?

Yes. You will need to provide proof of your new Texas address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew a Texas license and will need to obtain a license from your new state instead.

What if I have changed my name since my last license?

Bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need this along with your other identity and residency documents. Tell the DPS staff about the name change when you arrive.

Do I need an eye exam to renew my license?

Not for in-person renewal at a DPS office — they perform a vision screening there. If you are renewing by mail, you must provide a vision test report from an eye doctor dated within 90 days. If you are renewing online, you do not need a vision test.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a different document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2, 1099, or tax return. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DPS office.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to renew your license, unless you are 79 or older and renewing by mail. A parent or guardian can be present if you are under 18, but you must be there as well.