What to bring when you renew in Texas

To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Texas requires at least one document from the "Real ID" category — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers — plus one proof that you live in Texas, like a utility bill or lease. You do not need to bring your current license, though it helps if you have it.

The exact documents accepted vary slightly depending on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person. In-person renewals at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office give you the most flexibility if your documents are unusual or if you are unsure whether something will work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one Real ID document (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and one proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Online renewals are the fastest route if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, but they do not work for everyone.
  • Mail renewals take four to six weeks and require you to send originals or certified copies of your documents, which you will not get back.
  • In-person renewals at a DPS office take about 30 minutes and let you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew — you must start over with a new process.

Online renewal: fastest if you are may be able to access

Texas lets you renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the last two years, and you do not need to update your photo. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the fee (currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license).

The online process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. This is the cheapest and fastest option if you meet all the requirements, but most people who have moved, changed their appearance significantly, or want to update their photo will need to choose a different route.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo or address. You will need to send the DPS an process form (Form DL-44), your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The DPS website has a printable checklist of which documents they accept for each category.

Mail renewals take four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet. You will not get your original documents back, so send copies or certified copies, not originals — except for your current license, which the DPS will return. The fee is the same as online renewal. This route works well if you are not in a hurry and prefer not to visit an office, but the longer timeline means you should send your packet at least six weeks before your license expires.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Visiting a DPS office is the most flexible option and the only one that works if your license has been expired for less than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your address. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online scheduling system — check your local office's website first.

The visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. You can pay the renewal fee with cash, check, or card. The DPS will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within five to seven business days.

Real ID documents: what counts as proof of identity

Texas requires one document from the Real ID category to prove who you are. These include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. A driver's license from another state also works. You cannot use a school ID, work ID, or Social Security card alone.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — things like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name. The DPS website lists all accepted documents. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring both the birth certificate and the document that shows the name change (marriage license, divorce decree, or court order).

Proof of residency: showing you live in Texas

You need one document showing you currently live in Texas. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, and government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option — gas, electric, water, or internet all work.

If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, other options include a property tax statement, vehicle registration, or a letter from a government agency. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from them stating that you live there, plus the utility bill. The DPS website has a full list of accepted documents and their requirements.

When you cannot renew and must start over

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must start the new process process instead. This means taking a written test, a driving test, and a vision test, and paying the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee. You will also need to visit a DPS office in person; there is no online or mail option for a new license.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to clear that status before you can renew. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal process is different and requires an in-person visit and a medical certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes, as long as it has not been expired for more than two years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as anyone else. If it expired more than two years ago, you will need to take the written and driving tests again.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

Bring the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your birth certificate or other Real ID document. You can renew online only if you have not changed your name; otherwise, you must renew by mail or in person so the DPS can update their records.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you will take a new photo as part of the process. You cannot keep your old photo if you renew in person.

How much does it cost to renew in Texas?

A four-year renewal costs $33, and an eight-year renewal costs $66. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are 85 or older, renewal is free.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have the number memorized?

You can look up your Social Security number through the Social Security Administration website or by calling them at 1-800-772-1213. You will need it to renew, so get it before you go to the DPS office or submit your process.