Renew or Replacing Your DL or ID While You Are Out-of-State

September 25, 2020

You may be eligible to renew, modify, or replace your Texas driver license (DL) or ID card while you are living outside Texas if your permanent home (domicile) is Texas, and you meet all eligibility rules listed below. 

Who Qualifies?

Individuals with Texas domicile who live outside the state, such as:

  • Active-duty U.S. military members, spouses, and dependents.
  • Students whose parents reside in Texas.
  • Individuals temporarily living outside Texas for employment purposes.

Before You Begin

Many customers can renew online or by phone. Check your eligibility at Texas.gov or call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-866-357-3639).

Renewing by Mail while living Out-of-State 

Eligibility Requirements
You can renew your driver license or ID card by mail if you meet all the following requirements:

  • Your license or ID will expire in less than two years or has been expired for less than two years (unless you are active-duty military)
  • You are 18–78 years old.
  • You are a U.S. Citizen
  • Your social security number is on file with the Department
  • Your card is not a Limited-Term DL/ID
  • You meet the Texas Residency Requirements
  • You are not renewing or modifying a commercial driver license (CDL) with a hazmat endorsement, a Non-Domiciled CDL, a learner license, a provisional license, or an occupational license
  • You are not required to register under either the Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62, Sex Offender Registration, or Chapter 65, Terrorist Offender Registration programs
  • You are not subject to the registration requirements of Penal Code Chapter 20A, Trafficking of Persons
  • Your vision, physical or mental condition, has not changed in a way that affects your ability to drive safely
  • Your license is not currently suspended, revoked, or canceled, and you have no unpaid traffic citations (check your driver eligibility status)
  • Your record does not show a medical or administrative status that requires periodic review

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can renew your driver license or identification card by submitting the required forms and documents to the Department for processing:

  1. Application Form
    1. DL/ID: Complete the Driver License/Identification Card application (DL-14A). For a driver license renewal, answer all questions, including the Medical History questions. For an ID card, answer questions 1-10.
      1. Class A or B Non-CDL: In addition to the DL-14A, you must complete a Texas Class A or B Driver License Application Non-CDL Exempt Vehicles form (CDL-2).
    2. CDL: Complete the Commercial Driver License application (CDL-1). Submit an updated medical certificate signed by an FMCSA-approved medical examiner if required.
  2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence
  3. Social Security Number must be listed on your application.
  4. A DL-63 Eye Specialist examination for DL renewals
  5. Proof of Texas Residency
  6. A 2x2 passport-style photo
  7. Your normal signature on a blank piece of paper in black ink.
  8. Motorcycle Endorsement (if applicable): To add a Motorcycle endorsement, provide a copy of your MSF completion certificate or card issued within the past 24 months.
  9. Name Change (if applicable): If requesting a name change, you must submit the documentation that verifies your name change. (See more on Name Change requirements.)
  10. The appropriate renewal fee by check or money order, payable to Texas DPS. 

Mail your completed application, required documents, photo, signature, and payment to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008

For full details about the Out-of-State/ Out-of-Country process, please review our OOS Packet. 

Name Change Requirements

If you are requesting a name change on your driver license or ID card, you must submit additional documentation with your DL-14A application form.

Required Documents

  • Proof of Name Change: Official documentation verifying your new legal name may consist of one of the following:
    • Marriage license
    • Divorce decree
    • Annulment
    • Department of State Health Services (DSHS) marriage verification letter
    • Certified court order; or
    • Amended birth certificate.
  • If the document is not in English, include a certified English translation with the original.
  • Signature: Your normal signature on a blank piece of white paper in black ink
  • Copies are acceptable for these documents. Do not send originals.

Replacement or Change of Address while living Out-of-State 

If you are temporarily residing outside of Texas, you may be able to change your address or replace a lost or stolen driver license or identification card by mail.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Your U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence is already on file with the Department.
  • Your social security number is on file with the Department
  • Your DL or ID has not expired (and is within 90 days of its expiration date).
  • You are 18 – 78 years old.
  • You are not replacing a commercial driver license (CDL) with a hazmat endorsement, a non-domiciled CDL, a learner license, a provisional license, or an occupational license.
  • You are not required to register under either the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) Chapter 62, Sex Offender Registration, or CCP Chapter 65, Terrorist Offender Registration programs.
  • You are not subject to the registration requirements of Penal Code Chapter 20A, Trafficking of Persons
  • Your license is not suspended, revoked, or canceled (check your driver eligibility status).
  • You are not requesting a card modification such as adding a motorcycle endorsement or changing your name.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements, submit the following to the Department:

  1. A DL-64 application; The residence address must be a Texas address if you currently hold a CDL.
  2. The $10 fee by check or money order, payable to Texas DPS.

Send the completed form and fee to the following address:

Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008

Renewal for Active-Duty Military Members, Spouses, and Dependents

If you are an active-duty military member, spouse, or dependent stationed outside of Texas, special renewal provisions apply to your driver license or identification card.

Validity of Expired Licenses

  • Your license will remain valid to use beyond the expiration date as long as it has not been suspended, canceled, or revoked.
  • To use an expired license while diving, you must carry both your valid military ID card and your Texas driver license. 

Since not all U.S. states, military installations, and foreign countries automatically honor expired driver licenses for active-duty military members, it is strongly recommended that you:

  • Renew your license before the expiration date listed on your card, and
  • Research the laws in the state or country where you are stationed to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Recently Discharged Military Members

If you are honorably discharged from active duty, your license remains valid until the earlier of:

  • The 91st day after the date of discharge; or
  • The date on which the person returns to Texas.

Renewal Eligibility

  • Active-duty military members, spouses, and dependents, and those discharged within the last 90 days, may renew a license or ID card that has expired for more than two years.
  • If you are not on active duty or recently discharged and your license has expired for more than two years, you must reapply as an original applicant at a driver license office and retake the knowledge and skills tests.  

Out-of-State Address on your card

Only active-duty military members, spouses, or dependents may choose to have their current out-of-state address printed on their driver license or identification card on a renewal transaction. 

For full details about the Out-of-State/ Out-of-Country process, please review our OOS Packet.