Documents and information you'll need to bring
To renew your Texas driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a limited list of documents for each category, so knowing exactly what counts before you go saves a trip back home.
Your current license itself serves as your primary ID. For additional proof of identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or a military ID. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not enough; DPS requires the certified original or a certified copy.
Proof of residency must show your current Texas address. DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your name yet, bring two documents showing your old address plus a signed statement explaining the move, along with one document showing your new address.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, one proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and one proof of residency dated within 90 days.
- If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change—a photocopy will not be accepted.
- You can renew online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions to report, and you are not changing your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes, while online renewal takes a few minutes but costs slightly more.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process.
Renewing online versus in person
Texas allows you to renew online if you meet specific conditions. You can use the online renewal option only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions to report to DPS, you are not changing your name or address, and your license has not been lost or stolen. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if your license expired more than two years ago.
Online renewal happens through the DPS website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer health and safety questions, review your information, pay the fee, and submit. The whole process takes a few minutes. The fee for online renewal is slightly higher than in-person renewal—currently $16 more—because DPS charges a convenience fee for the online service.
If you do not meet the online conditions, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your documents, answer the same health and safety questions on a form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. In-person renewal usually takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. The standard in-person renewal fee is lower than the online fee.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on how long your new license is valid. A standard five-year license costs one amount; an eight-year license costs more. Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs extra but is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Ask the DPS office or check the DPS website for the exact current fees, as they change periodically.
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online, you pay by debit or credit card only. Some offices also accept money orders. If you are renewing in person and do not have exact change, the office will give you a receipt for any overpayment and mail a refund.
Timeline and what happens after you submit
After you complete your renewal—whether online or in person—DPS processes your process and mails your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid, so you can still use it to drive.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS Customer Service line or visit a DPS office with your receipt. If your license is lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and medical conditions
If you have changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change. DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.
If you are moving to a new address in Texas, you can update your address during renewal. If you renew online, you cannot change your address at the same time—you must renew in person or update your address separately through the DPS website. If you renew in person, tell the DPS employee that you are moving and provide your new address and proof of residency at that address.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that causes fainting—you must report it during renewal. DPS may require a medical report from your doctor before issuing your new license. If you have a condition that DPS needs to know about, renew in person so you can discuss it with the DPS employee, or call DPS ahead of time to ask what documentation you need to bring.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows the hours each office is open and, at some locations, the current wait time.
Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less busy than lunch hours or late afternoons. If you see a long wait time listed online, you can come back later or visit a different office if one is nearby.
What to do if your license is expired or expiring soon
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired fewer than two years ago. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking a written test and a driving test.
If your license is expiring within the next 60 days, you can renew now without penalty. Texas does not charge extra for early renewal, and your new license will be valid for the full term from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court that issued it. Once it is cleared, you can renew. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it.
What if I do not have a certified birth certificate or passport?
You can use a military ID, a state ID card, or a passport card instead. If you do not have any of these, you can obtain a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Texas?
A standard Texas driver's license is sufficient for driving. However, a Real ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want a Real ID license, tell the DPS employee during renewal or select that option online. It costs extra but is valid for the same length of time as a standard license.
What if I moved out of state and am moving back to Texas?
You must renew your license in person at a DPS office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency. DPS will issue you a new Texas license. Your out-of-state license will no longer be valid once you receive your Texas license.
Can someone else pick up my new license for me?
No. DPS mails your new license directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you are concerned about mail delivery, you can update your mailing address on the DPS website before you renew, or contact DPS after renewal to change where your license is sent.