Documents required to renew your Texas driver's license
To renew your Texas driver's license, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The exact documents you bring depend on whether you renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online — and whether your license is still valid or has been expired for more than two years.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, or if you need to update your address or other information, you must renew in person. The documents listed below cover the most common renewal scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- You need one form of ID (your current or expired license, passport, or military ID), one proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew.
- Online and mail renewals are available only if your license expired within the past two years and you have not changed your address.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring original documents, not copies.
- Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your renewal process.
- DPS offices do not accept all documents — utility bills, leases, and recent bank statements are the most reliable choices for proof of residency.
Proof of identity for in-person renewal
For an in-person renewal, bring one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. Your current or expired Texas driver's license is the simplest choice. If you do not have it, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, military ID card, or passport card.
If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it — straightforward tell the DPS officer when you arrive. You will still need one of the other forms of ID listed above. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.
Proof of residency requirements
You must bring one document that shows your current Texas address and was issued or dated within 90 days of the day you explore. DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or phone), a signed lease or rental agreement, a recent bank or credit union statement, or a mortgage statement.
The document must be in your name and show your full address. A utility bill in a roommate's name or a lease with only a partial address will not work. If you recently moved and your documents have not caught up, bring two documents showing your old address plus one showing your new address — for example, a utility bill from your old place and a lease from your new one.
DPS does not accept printed bank statements from online-only banks, screenshots, or documents you printed from a website. Bring the original statement or a certified copy from the bank.
Social Security number and name change documents
You must provide your Social Security number when you renew. You do not need to bring a card or document proving it — you can straightforward state it. DPS will verify it through the Social Security Administration.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy from the court or vital records office.
Online and mail renewal documents
If you renew online or by mail, you do not bring physical documents to DPS. Instead, you answer questions about your identity and address online or on the process form. DPS verifies your information through existing records.
Online renewal is available if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photograph. Mail renewal has the same restrictions. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
What happens if you are missing a document
If you do not have proof of residency in your name, DPS allows you to bring two documents that together show your residency — for example, a utility bill in a spouse's name plus a lease in your name, or a bank statement plus a piece of mail from a government agency. Both documents must show your current address and be dated within 90 days.
If you cannot obtain proof of residency at all, contact your local DPS office before you go. Some offices have procedures for people in temporary housing or experiencing homelessness. You may be able to use an affidavit or a letter from a shelter or social service agency instead.
Fees and processing time
A standard five-year renewal costs $25. A ten-year renewal costs $50. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your process. Online renewal is when ready — you can print a temporary license when ready and receive your physical license in the mail within two weeks.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. Bring all documents with you; if something is missing, DPS will tell you what you need before you leave the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number as described above. There is no penalty for renewing late.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You can straightforward tell the DPS officer your Social Security number, and they will verify it. You do not need to bring a card or any document proving it.
What if my proof of residency is older than 90 days?
DPS will not accept it. Bring a document dated within 90 days of your process — a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease. If you do not have one, contact your utility company or bank and request a current statement before you go to the DPS office.
Can I renew online if I changed my address?
No. Online renewal is available only if your address has not changed since your last license was issued. If you moved, you must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new address.
What if my name on my documents does not match my license?
Bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name on your new license. Bring the original or a certified copy from the court or vital records office.