What to do when your Texas driver license has the wrong information
If your Texas driver license shows incorrect information—a misspelled name, wrong address, incorrect date of birth, or other errors—you need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to request a correction. DPS does not automatically fix errors; you must report them and provide proof of the correct information. The process depends on whether the error was DPS's mistake or yours, and whether you need a replacement card right away.
Most corrections require you to visit a DPS Driver License office in person with documents that prove what the correct information should be. Some errors can be corrected by mail, but DPS will tell you which route applies to your situation once you report the mistake.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your local DPS Driver License office by phone or visit in person to report the error and learn what documents you need to bring.
- You will need to bring proof of the correct information, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill showing your current address.
- If DPS made the error, you may receive a corrected license at no charge; if you made the error on your process, you may pay a replacement fee.
- Processing time for corrections varies, but you can ask whether you need an interim license while your corrected card is being made.
Finding your local DPS Driver License office
The fastest way to report an error is to visit the DPS Driver License office that serves your county. You can find the office location, phone number, and hours on the Texas DPS website under "Driver License Offices." Search by your county or city name.
Before you go, call the office to ask what documents you should bring for your specific error. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Calling first also lets you confirm whether the office is open and whether they can handle your type of correction that day.
Documents you will need to bring
The documents required depend on what information is wrong. DPS requires proof of the correct information, and the type of proof varies by error type.
For a name error, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the correct name. For an address error, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address—the document must be dated within the last 60 days. For a date of birth error, bring your original birth certificate or certified copy. For other errors like eye color or height, DPS may ask you to appear in person so they can verify the information directly.
You will also need to bring your current driver license and proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a tax return.
Whether you pay a fee for the correction
If DPS made the error on your license, you should not pay a fee for the correction. If you made the error when you filled out your original process, DPS may charge you a replacement fee. The fee amount varies depending on how long your current license is valid and whether you need a Real ID compliant license.
Ask the DPS office staff when you call or visit whether a fee applies to your situation. If you disagree that the error was your mistake, explain what happened when you visit—staff can review your original process and may waive the fee if they find DPS was responsible.
Getting an interim license while you wait
If you need to drive while your corrected license is being processed, ask the DPS office whether they can issue an interim license on the spot. An interim license is a temporary paper document that is valid for driving while your permanent card is being made. Not all errors may have access to for an interim license, and not all offices issue them, so ask when you contact the office.
Processing time for a corrected license usually takes one to two weeks, though it can be longer during busy periods. The office can tell you when to expect your new card in the mail.
Correcting errors by mail
Some minor errors can be corrected by mail without visiting an office in person. Call your local DPS Driver License office and ask whether your error type can be handled by mail. If it can, the office will tell you what documents to send and where to mail them.
Mail corrections take longer than in-person visits—usually three to four weeks or more. You will not receive an interim license when you correct by mail, so you cannot drive legally until your corrected card arrives. For this reason, most people with errors that need to be fixed soon choose to visit an office in person.
What happens if you discover the error after your license expires
If your license has already expired and you notice an error, you will need to renew your license and correct the error at the same time. Bring the same documents you would bring for a correction, plus any documents required for renewal in Texas. You can do this in person at a DPS Driver License office or, if you are may be able to access, by mail or online through the DPS website.
Renewal with a correction may take longer than a routine renewal because DPS has to verify the corrected information. Ask the office staff how long the process will take in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I correct my driver license error online?
No. DPS does not offer online correction for driver license errors. You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person or, for certain minor errors, mail documents to DPS. Call your local office to ask whether your error can be handled by mail.
What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy right away?
Contact your local DPS Driver License office and explain your situation. They may accept an alternative document, such as a passport or court order, to prove your correct name. Some offices can also tell you how to order a certified birth certificate quickly from the Texas Vital Statistics office.
Will I get a new license number if my name is corrected?
No. Your license number stays the same when you correct information. DPS will issue a new card with the corrected information but the same number.
How long does it take to get a corrected license?
In-person corrections usually take one to two weeks for the new card to arrive by mail. Mail-in corrections take three to four weeks or longer. Ask your local DPS office for an estimate based on current processing times in your area.
What if DPS says the error is my fault but I disagree?
Ask to speak with a supervisor or manager at the DPS office. You can also request that DPS review your original process and any documents you submitted when you first got your license. If you believe DPS made a mistake, you have the right to dispute it.