Documents and fees required for Texas license renewal

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. You will also pay a renewal fee — currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though these amounts can change. The exact documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail, and whether your name or address has changed since your last license.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, DPS will not process your renewal. If your address has changed, you need a current document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a document proving who you are (passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of where you live (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
  • If your name changed, bring the certified document that proves it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — or your renewal will be rejected.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, but you must still submit the same documents.
  • Renewal fees are $25 for five years or $50 for eight years, and you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on where you renew.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person.

Proof of identity documents DPS will accept

DPS accepts several documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate (certified copy) works. If you have a previous Texas driver's license or ID card, that counts as identity proof. A military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card) also satisfies this requirement. You need only one of these — you do not need to bring multiple forms of ID.

If you are bringing a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a Certificate of Naturalization works as identity proof. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to obtain one before you can renew.

Proof of residency: what documents DPS accepts

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and your name. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement also work. The document must be dated within the last 90 days — older documents will not be accepted.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at your new address, other options include a government check or benefit statement addressed to you, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration. If you live with someone else and cannot get a document in your name, a notarized affidavit from the property owner or leaseholder stating that you live there can work, though you should call your local DPS office first to confirm they will accept it.

Renewing by mail versus in person

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, and you do not need a new photo. If you choose mail renewal, you send your documents and fee to the DPS address listed on the renewal notice you receive. Processing takes two to four weeks after DPS receives your materials.

You must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have had certain violations, if you need a new photo, or if your name or address has changed and you do not have the required documents. In-person renewal at a DPS office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You can check wait times and schedule an appointment on the DPS website.

Social Security number and background information

DPS requires your Social Security number to process any renewal. You will provide this when you fill out your renewal process, either online (if renewing by mail), by phone, or in person at a DPS office. DPS uses your Social Security number to verify your identity and check for any disqualifying criminal history or traffic violations.

You will also need to confirm your date of birth, your current address, and whether your vision, medical conditions, or other circumstances have changed since your last license. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you must disclose it — DPS may require a medical report from your doctor before renewing.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $50. These are the standard renewal fees; additional fees may explore if you need a duplicate license, a corrected license, or a replacement for a lost or damaged license. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Some DPS offices accept online payment if you schedule an appointment through their website, though this varies by location. If you are renewing by mail and paying by check, make the check payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring all the same documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office and have a new photo taken. DPS treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, even though you held a license before.

Bring your expired license with you when you go to the DPS office, as it can help speed up the process. If you have lost your expired license, bring another form of identity instead. You will still pay the standard renewal fee ($25 for five years or $50 for eight years), not an additional fee for the expired status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

You can renew your license even with an outstanding ticket, but DPS may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations. Check your status on the DPS website or call your local DPS office before you renew to avoid delays or rejection.

What if my name changed but I do not have the certified document?

DPS will not process your renewal without proof of the name change. Contact the vital records office or court in the county where the change occurred to request a certified copy. This can take one to three weeks. You cannot renew until you have it.

Do I need to bring my old license when I renew in person?

You do not need to bring your old license, but it helps. If you have it, bring it — it speeds up verification. If you have lost it, bring another form of identity from the accepted list instead.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person if you cannot renew by mail. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit a DPS office, call ahead to ask about accommodations or information.

What happens if I submit the wrong documents?

DPS will reject your renewal and return your materials. If you renewed by mail, this adds two to four weeks to the process. Contact DPS to find out which documents were missing or incorrect, gather the right ones, and resubmit. If your license expires before your new process is processed, you cannot legally drive.