Bring your current license and proof of identity

Your current driver's license is the starting point. The DMV will scan it, check your driving record, and use it to update your photo and information. Bring the physical card itself, not a photo or a copy.

You will also need a document that proves your identity. A passport, passport card, or birth certificate all work. If you do not have a passport, your birth certificate is usually the easiest option — order it from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born if you do not have a copy at home. Some states accept a certified school record or military discharge papers instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current driver's license and one identity document such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • Proof of your current address is required and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, because requirements vary by state and sometimes by county.
  • Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

Proof of your address

The DMV needs to confirm where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, as long as it shows your name and current address and was issued within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the bill itself.

A government-issued document with your address on it — such as a vehicle registration or property tax bill — also counts. Do not bring a driver's license renewal notice from the DMV itself; that is not accepted as proof of address.

Documents if your name has changed

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves it. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The document must be an original or a certified copy from the court or vital records office — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, some states accept the marriage certificate or divorce decree directly from the courthouse. Others require a certified copy. Check your state's DMV website to see which one your location accepts.

Social Security number and signature

You will need to provide your Social Security number at the DMV counter. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though many DMVs will accept the number itself if you know it. If you do not have a card and cannot remember your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your appointment to request a replacement card or a letter with your number on it.

You will sign your new license at the DMV, so you do not need to bring a signature document. However, some states ask you to sign a form before you leave, so be prepared to sign your name as it appears on your identity document.

What to bring if you are renewing by mail or online

Some states let you renew by mail or through their website if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. If you are renewing this way, you typically mail in your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order for the fee. You do not need to bring documents in person.

Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail or online renewal is an option for you. The website will tell you which form to use and where to send it. Online renewal usually takes a few minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.

Original documents versus copies

The DMV will not accept photocopies of your identity document, address proof, or name-change documents. Bring the originals. If you do not have the original — for example, if you lost your birth certificate — order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A certified copy has an official seal and signature and counts as an original for DMV purposes.

Some documents, such as utility bills or bank statements, can be originals or copies, as long as they are clear and show your full name and address. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive if you are unsure whether a copy is acceptable.

Check your state's specific list before you go

Requirements vary by state and sometimes by county. Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts and whether you need originals or copies. Some states accept a wider range of address documents than others, and some have different rules for people renewing for the first time versus people renewing again.

Visit your state's DMV website and search for "license renewal documents" or "what to bring." Most sites have a checklist you can print and bring with you. If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office — staff can tell you in a few minutes whether you have everything you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No, the DMV requires an original or certified copy. A photocopy is not accepted. If you lost your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. The certified copy has an official seal and counts as an original.

What if my address on my identity document does not match my current address?

Bring both documents: your identity document (even if the address is old) and a separate proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address on your new license based on the current proof you bring.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not have to, but it helps. If you have it, bring it. If you do not have it or cannot find it, you can provide your Social Security number from memory. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment to request a replacement card or a letter with your number.

Can someone else bring my documents for me if I cannot go in person?

Most states do not allow this for license renewal. You usually have to appear in person to sign your new license and have your photo taken. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a representative can renew on your behalf, and what documents they would need to bring.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Contact your state's DMV to ask what other identity documents it accepts. Some states accept a military ID, school record, or other government-issued document. Your state's website usually lists alternatives, or you can call the DMV office to ask what you can bring instead.