Where to start with a Texas driver's license change
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license changes. You can change your name, address, or other information either online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office. The method you use depends on what you're changing and whether you need a new photo.
Most address changes can be done online or by mail without visiting an office. Name changes, corrections to personal details, and photo updates require either an in-person visit or mailed documents. Texas does not charge a fee for address-only changes, but other modifications may have associated costs.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be completed online through the DPS website or by mail at no cost, without needing to visit an office.
- Name changes require proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and must be done in person or by mail with certified documents.
- Photo updates and corrections to personal information like date of birth or gender marker require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
- In-person visits at DPS offices do not require an appointment in most locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day.
- Mailed requests take longer than in-person or online changes, typically two to four weeks depending on DPS processing volume.
Changing your address online or by mail
An address change is the simplest modification to make. If you only need to update where you live, you can do this through the DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to the DPS driver's license page, select the address change option, enter your driver's license number and personal information, and submit your new address. The change takes effect when ready in the system.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a completed DL-43 form (Address Change process) to the DPS address listed on their website. Include your current driver's license number and your new address. Mail processing typically takes two to four weeks. You do not need to include any supporting documents for an address-only change.
Changing your name with proof of legal change
A name change requires legal documentation showing the reason for the change. Texas accepts marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders for name change, or adoption papers. You must present the original document or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office that granted the change.
You can submit name change documents by mail or in person. For mail, send the completed DL-43 form along with a certified copy of your legal document to the DPS address on their website. Include your current driver's license number. For an in-person visit, bring your current driver's license, the original or certified legal document, and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will receive a new license with your updated name, and there is a fee for the replacement card.
Updating your photo or correcting personal information
If you need a new photo, want to correct your date of birth, change your gender marker, or fix other personal details on your license, you must visit a DPS driver's license office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and any documents that support the correction you're making (birth certificate for date of birth corrections, court order for gender marker changes).
DPS offices are located in most Texas cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the DPS website. Most offices do not require appointments, though some high-traffic locations may have a reservation system. Bring your documents and be prepared to wait, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.
What documents you need for each type of change
| Type of Change | Documents Needed | Where to Do It | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address only | Current driver's license number | Online, by mail, or in person | Free |
| Name change | Current license, certified legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) | By mail or in person | Replacement fee applies |
| Photo update | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, bank statement) | In person only | Replacement fee applies |
| Correct personal information | Current license, supporting documents (birth certificate, court order) | In person only | Replacement fee applies |
| Gender marker change | Current license, court order or other legal documentation | In person only | Replacement fee applies |
How long each method takes
Online address changes are processed when ready and show in the DPS system right away. Your physical license card does not change, but your record is updated. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can order one through the online system for a fee.
Mail requests take two to four weeks depending on DPS processing volume. During high-volume periods (after holidays or at the start of the year), processing may take longer. In-person visits are completed the same day you visit the office, though you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is. Your new license is printed before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license does not prevent you from changing your address online. However, if you want to renew your license at the same time, you must visit a DPS office in person or use the mail renewal process. The online address change works independently of your license's expiration status.
Do I need a certified copy of my marriage certificate or can I use a photocopy?
DPS requires an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office or court. A photocopy of a certified copy is not accepted. You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married or from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit if you need a replacement.
What counts as proof of my current address?
DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. A credit card bill or insurance statement usually works as well, but call your local DPS office to confirm if you're unsure about a specific document.
Can I change my name and address at the same time?
Yes. Submit both changes together with your legal name change document and proof of your new address. Whether you mail or visit in person, provide all documents at once. This is processed as a single transaction and costs one replacement fee, not two.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?
You can change your address online or by mail even if you now live outside Texas. However, if your license is expiring soon or you need a new photo, you will need to renew in person at a Texas DPS office or through the mail renewal process. Some states allow you to transfer your Texas license to their system instead of renewing in Texas.