What documents to bring to the Texas DPS office

Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited set of documents for each category, and bringing the wrong ones will delay your renewal.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: your current Texas driver's license, Texas ID card, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or permanent resident card (green card). A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. A government check or tax return also works. Your name must appear on the document — a bill addressed to someone else at your address will not be accepted.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report instead. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to providing these documents — check with your local DPS office about your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or current Texas ID), proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your current license to renew in person.
  • Proof of residency must show your name and current address — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work if they are recent enough.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you will likely need to pass a vision test and written test in addition to submitting documents.
  • You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions, which requires fewer documents than in-person renewal.

When you can renew online or by mail instead

Not every renewal requires a trip to a DPS office. Texas allows online and mail renewals under specific conditions, and each method requires different documents.

To renew online, your current license must not be expired, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you must have a valid Texas license that was issued at least 241 days ago. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee. You do not need to bring physical documents — the DPS verifies your identity through its records. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, your current license must not be expired and you must be 18 or older. Mail in your current license, a completed process form (DL-43), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. You do not need to include proof of identity or residency — the DPS uses your existing records. Mail your packet to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet, and your new license arrives by mail.

If your license is expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring the documents listed above.

What happens if your name or address changed

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not accept a photocopy or a certified copy from a county clerk's office that is more than one year old.

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, bring proof of your new residency as described above. The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra cost. If you moved from another state and this is your first Texas renewal, you still need to bring proof of residency in Texas — your out-of-state address on your old license does not count.

Documents you do not need to bring

Many people bring documents that the DPS does not require for renewal. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, even though you will provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or any documents related to your vehicle. You do not need to bring a completed process form if you are renewing in person — the DPS will provide one at the office.

If you are renewing your license because it was suspended or revoked, you will need additional documents beyond the standard renewal requirements. Contact your local DPS office or check the DPS website for your specific situation, as the requirements vary depending on why your license was suspended.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard five-year Texas driver's license is $25 as of 2024, though this amount can change. If you are 85 or older, the fee is lower — check the current rate with the DPS. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at a DPS office. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Some DPS offices accept credit cards in addition to the payment methods listed above, but not all do. Call ahead or check the DPS website to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

How long the process takes

In-person renewal at a DPS office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license is printed on site and you receive it before you leave the office. You can use your old license to drive until your new one arrives if there is any delay in printing.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. During this time, you can continue to drive using your current license as long as it is not expired.

What to do if you cannot find a required document

If you do not have a current utility bill or lease agreement for proof of residency, other documents work: a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or credit card statement dated within the last 90 days. If none of these are available, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternatives — some offices may accept other documents in specific situations.

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport for proof of identity, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or the state where you were born. This typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. A U.S. passport can be obtained through the State Department, though processing times vary. If you have a current Texas ID card, that alone is sufficient proof of identity for renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, but you will need to renew in person at a DPS office and you may need to pass a vision test and written test in addition to providing your documents. The DPS treats very old expired licenses differently than recently expired ones. Contact your local DPS office before you go to confirm what tests you will need to take.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?

Some DPS offices accept appointments and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the DPS website or call your local office to find out. Making an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly, especially during busy times of year.

What if I lost my current license and do not have it to bring?

Bring a police report documenting the loss instead of your current license. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency. If you lost your license and do not have a police report, contact your local police department to file one before you go to the DPS office.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license in person at a DPS office, or you can renew online or by mail if you meet the requirements. A family member or representative cannot renew it on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.

What if my proof of residency document is older than 90 days?

The DPS will not accept it. You need a document dated within the last 90 days. If your most recent bill or statement is older, contact the company to request a current one, or use a different document from the accepted list that is more recent.