What you need to do to change your Texas driver's license
To change your Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with the right documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The change you need to make — whether it's your name, address, or something else — determines which documents you bring and whether you need a new photo. Most changes take about 20 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location.
You cannot change your license by mail or online. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver license office. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity and proof of your change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change).
- Address changes cost nothing, but name changes and license renewals require a fee that varies depending on your license type and how long you want it valid.
- Bring your current Texas driver's license plus the documents that prove your change — the DPS website lists exactly what counts for each type of change.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address on your Texas license
An address change is the simplest update. Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must show your name and the new address, and it cannot be more than 90 days old.
Address changes are free. You will get a temporary paper license right away that shows your new address, and your new plastic license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need a new photo for an address-only change.
Changing your name on your Texas license
A name change requires your current Texas driver's license, a document that proves your new name, and payment of a fee. Documents that prove a name change include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The document must be an official certified copy — a photocopy will not work.
You will have a new photo taken during the name change process. The fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid: a 5-year license costs one amount, and an 8-year or Real ID license costs more. Check the current fee on the DPS website, as fees change periodically. You receive a temporary paper license at the office and your new plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing your license at the same time as making a change
If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it and make your change in the same visit. Bring your current license (or expired license if it expired within the last two years), the documents that prove your change, and payment for the renewal. A new photo is taken during renewal.
The fee for renewal is separate from any change fee. If you are over 85 years old, your renewal fee is lower. If you want a Real ID license — which is required for federal buildings and flights starting in May 2025 — you will need to bring additional documents proving your citizenship and Social Security number, and the fee will be higher.
What documents count as proof of identity and proof of change
For any change, you need to prove who you are and prove that the change is real. Your current Texas driver's license counts as proof of identity. For proof of your change, the DPS accepts specific documents depending on what you are changing.
For a name change, bring a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (like a tax form) that shows your new address and is no more than 90 days old. For other changes like correcting your date of birth or sex designation, bring the court order or vital record that proves the correction. The DPS website lists all accepted documents for each type of change.
Where to go and what to bring
Find your nearest DPS driver license office on the DPS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring your current Texas driver's license, the documents that prove your change, and payment if a fee applies. Bring originals, not photocopies, for documents that prove your change.
Bring your Social Security card if you are changing your name, because the DPS will verify your Social Security number. If you are renewing your license or getting a Real ID, bring additional documents like a birth certificate or passport. The DPS website has a checklist for each type of transaction — use it before you go so you do not have to make a second trip.
How long the process takes and when you get your new license
At the office, the visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready and shows your change. This temporary license is good for 30 days while you wait for your new plastic license.
Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DPS. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, use the temporary paper license — it is valid for driving and identification purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to change your address in person at a DPS driver license office. You cannot do it online or by mail. You can schedule an appointment on the DPS website to reduce wait time.
What if my marriage certificate or other proof document is not certified?
The DPS requires certified copies for documents that prove a name change. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office or vital records office where the document was issued — usually for a small fee.
Do I need a new photo if I am only changing my address?
No. Address-only changes do not require a new photo. You will keep the photo from your current license. Name changes, renewals, and corrections do require a new photo.
What happens if I move before my new license arrives?
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. If you move again before it arrives, you can contact the DPS to update your mailing address, or you can wait for it to arrive and then change the address on your license at a DPS office.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Address changes are free. Name changes and renewals have a fee, but address-only changes do not cost anything.