Documents and fees required to renew in Texas
To renew a Texas driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the renewal fee. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited set of documents for each category — you cannot substitute one for another, and expired documents usually do not count. The renewal fee is $61 for a four-year license or $97 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
You do not need to take a new written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years, you are over 79 years old, or DPS flags your record for other reasons. Most people renewing on time can complete the process by mail, online, or in person without retesting.
Key Takeaways
- Proof of identity must be an original or certified document — a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID are the most common choices.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, and it must show your current Texas address.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, but mail renewal takes four to six weeks.
- Online renewal through the DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, and you receive your new license within five to seven business days.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor's office takes about an hour and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Proof of identity documents DPS will accept
Your proof of identity must be an original document or a certified copy. A photocopy or a photo on your phone does not count. DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a military ID, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of two secondary documents — such as a Social Security card plus a school transcript, or a W-2 form plus a bank statement — but this route is slower and requires in-person verification.
If your birth certificate is not certified, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or from the state where you were born. The process takes one to two weeks by mail. A passport is often the fastest route if you already have one, since it serves as both identity and citizenship proof.
Proof of residency and what documents work
Your proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 30 days. DPS accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. The document must have your name and address printed on it — a handwritten address does not count.
If you have recently moved and your utility bill or lease has not yet arrived, you can use a temporary document such as a move confirmation from your utility company or a signed lease with a move-in date. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live at that address, plus a copy of the bill. This adds time, so plan ahead if you know you will need it.
Renewing by mail: when it works and how long it takes
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need a new photo. You order the renewal kit from the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789, then mail in your documents and fee. DPS processes mail renewals in the order received, which typically takes four to six weeks. Your new license arrives by mail after processing is complete.
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no appointment and no trip to an office. It works well if you are renewing early and have time to wait. If your address has changed or your license is already expired, you cannot use mail renewal — you must renew in person or online.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You log into the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, upload a photo (or use the one from your current license), confirm your address and other information, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is mailed to you within five to seven business days.
You are may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. You do not need to submit proof of identity or residency online — DPS already has those on file from your last renewal. If your address has changed or your license is expired, the online system will tell you that you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office or tax assessor's office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you have changed your address, or you need a new photo. You can renew at any DPS Driver License office or at an authorized county tax assessor's office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the renewal fee. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
You receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within five to seven business days. Many DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. If you do not have an appointment, arrive early in the day — offices are typically less crowded in the morning.
What happens if your license is expired or has been expired for more than two years
If your license has been expired for two years or less, you can renew by mail, online, or in person without retesting. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and take a new written test and vision test. You also must provide proof of identity and residency in person.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. The fee and process are the same whether you renew early or close to the expiration date.
What if I do not have a certified birth certificate or passport?
You can use two secondary documents instead, such as a Social Security card plus a school transcript, a W-2 form, or a bank statement. This route requires in-person renewal and takes longer because DPS staff must verify the documents. Order a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born if possible — it is usually faster than gathering secondary documents.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
Not unless your current license photo is more than eight years old, you are renewing in person, or DPS requests a new one. If you renew by mail or online, DPS uses your existing photo. If you renew in person, you can choose to keep your current photo or take a new one for no extra fee.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring this document along with your proof of identity and residency.
How long does a renewed Texas driver's license last?
A standard renewal is valid for four years or eight years, depending on which you choose at renewal. You pay $61 for four years or $97 for eight years. The eight-year license costs more but means you renew less often. Drivers over 79 years old receive a four-year license regardless of which option they choose.