Documents required for a Texas driver's license renewal

To renew your Texas driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing in person at a DPS office or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has already expired.

If you are renewing by mail (which Texas allows if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions), you need fewer documents — mainly your current license and a completed process. If you are renewing in person, you will need to show originals or certified copies of documents that prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewals require one form of primary ID (like a passport or birth certificate), one proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Mail-in renewals need only your current valid license and the completed DL-44 form, with no additional documents required.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person at a DPS office.
  • Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your visit, or be a recent tax return or utility bill.
  • You can bring a certified copy of a document instead of the original, but the DPS office will not certify documents for you.

Primary identity documents for in-person renewal

When you renew in person, you must show one document that proves your identity. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a school ID, or a work ID plus a credit card.

Your document must be an original or a certified copy. A photocopy is not accepted. If your birth certificate is from outside Texas, make sure it is certified by the state or county that issued it. A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the vital records office.

Proof of residency documents

You must show that you live at the Texas address on your process. The DPS accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a recent tax return, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and current Texas address.

If the document is a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement, it must be dated within 90 days before you visit the DPS office. A tax return can be older — it can be from the current or previous tax year. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, along with the bill.

If you have recently moved to Texas and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or the property owner, plus a copy of your lease or a utility bill showing your new address.

Social Security number or ITIN

You must provide your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you renew. You can provide this verbally at the DPS office — you do not need to bring a card or document. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you can request a waiver from the DPS, though this is uncommon.

The DPS uses your Social Security number to check your driving record and verify your identity against state and federal databases. Having an ITIN works the same way if you are not a U.S. citizen but have a valid tax identification number.

Mail-in renewal documents

If your license is still valid and you meet the other conditions for mail renewal, you need only your current license and a completed DL-44 form (the Texas Driver's License process). You do not need to send proof of identity or residency. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are over 85 years old, if you have a commercial driver's license, or if you have certain medical conditions. You also cannot renew by mail if your name or address has changed since your last renewal — in those cases, you must appear in person.

What to bring if your license has expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: primary ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DPS office.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew by mail if you meet the other conditions. Bring your expired license and the DL-44 form. The DPS will process it the same way as a renewal for a current license.

Where to get the process form and what happens next

The DL-44 process form is available on the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov). You can print it at home, fill it out by hand, and bring it to the DPS office. You can also pick up a form at any DPS office or county tax assessor's office. If you are renewing by mail, print the form, complete it, and mail it with your current license to the address shown on the form.

After you submit your documents in person, the DPS will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. If you renew by mail, expect your new license within 2 to 3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

No. The DPS requires an original or a certified copy with an official seal. A photocopy is not accepted. You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.

What if my utility bill is in my roommate's name?

You can bring the utility bill along with a signed letter from your roommate stating that you live at that address. Some DPS offices also accept a lease or rental agreement in your name as an alternative.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You can provide your Social Security number verbally at the DPS office. You do not need to bring a card or any document showing your number.

Can I renew my license by mail if I changed my address?

No. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal is only for people whose name and address remain the same.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You must renew in person. Bring your primary ID and proof of residency as you would for any in-person renewal. The DPS will issue a replacement license at the office.