What to bring when you renew in Texas

To renew your Texas driver license, you need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires these three things at every renewal, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. If your name has changed since your last license, you also need a document showing that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Texas address issued within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number on it. You do not need originals — copies are fine.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
  • Texas allows online renewal for most people whose licenses are not expired more than two years, but you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or passport to use the online system.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test.
  • Renewal fees are $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • If your license is expired more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Renewing online through the DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Texas DPS website, create an account, and complete the renewal form without leaving home. The system checks your information against state records and issues a temporary digital license you can use when ready while your physical card is mailed to you.

You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have a REAL ID-compliant license or a valid U.S. passport. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have that star, you cannot use the online system — you must renew in person or by mail. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $33 for four years or $66 for eight years.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not have any medical conditions that require a vision test. You fill out form DL-44, include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — the DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. The DPS typically processes mail applications within two to three weeks, but mail delivery itself adds time on both ends. If you are in a hurry, in-person renewal at a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor's office is faster.

Renewing in person at a DPS office or tax assessor

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you straightforward prefer to handle it face-to-face. You bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any DPS Driver License office or to an authorized county tax assessor's office. Most tax assessor offices offer renewal services and often have shorter wait times than DPS offices.

When you renew in person, you will have your photo taken and your vision tested. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may also have to retake the written test — the DPS decides this based on how long your license has been expired. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent card is mailed.

When your license is expired more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, renewal is more complicated. You must renew in person, and the DPS may require you to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. You still bring the same documents — current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — but be prepared to spend more time at the office.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, you can bring glasses or contacts and retake it the same day, or you can come back another time with corrective lenses.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Texas driver license renewal costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at DPS offices and most tax assessor offices. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — credit cards are not accepted by mail.

Some county tax assessor offices may charge a small processing fee on top of the state renewal fee, usually between $2 and $5. Call your local tax assessor's office before you go to confirm the total cost and whether they accept the payment method you plan to use.

What happens if your name has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, you need to bring a document proving the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. You can bring a certified copy or an uncertified copy — the DPS accepts both. If you do not have the original document, a certified copy from the county clerk's office works just as well.

Bring this document along with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not be able to change your name — call the DPS to ask whether you need to renew in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for five years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office or tax assessor's office. You will likely have to retake the written test and vision test because your license has been expired so long. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

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

Yes, if you renew in person. Your photo will be taken at the office. If you renew online or by mail, the DPS uses your photo from your current license, so you do not need a new one taken.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You need a document issued within the last 90 days showing your name and current Texas address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can bring two documents that together show your address — for example, a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. Call your local DPS office to ask what documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DPS typically mails your new license within one to two weeks after you renew. Mail delivery adds another few days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use the temporary paper license you receive at the office or online.

Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses?

Yes. Online renewal does not include a vision test — you only take a vision test if you renew in person. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can still renew online as long as your license is not expired more than two years and you have a REAL ID-compliant license or passport.