Where to Start: In Person or by Mail
You change your Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. Most people go in person because it is faster and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route works only if you are renewing (not changing your address or name), have no medical conditions to report, and your license is not expired by more than two years.
If you need to change your address, name, or any other information on your license, you must visit a DPS office. You cannot do this by mail. The office will take your photo, verify your documents, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person to change your address, name, or other information on your Texas driver's license.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal presence.
- The fee for a standard five-year license is $45, and you pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.
- You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- DPS offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week is usually faster.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring a valid passport or military ID instead. You also need one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 90 days.
You must prove your Social Security number and your citizenship or legal presence in the United States. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For citizenship or legal presence, bring your birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a valid visa and I-94 form if you are not a U.S. citizen. If you changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are changing your address only and your name and other information stay the same, you can often skip some documents. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what you actually need to bring.
Finding Your Nearest DPS Office and Hours
Search for DPS driver's license offices on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Click "Driver's License" and then "Office Locations" to find the office nearest you. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different hours or are closed on certain days.
Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or if you want to know the current wait time. Some offices are much busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different DPS office in your region — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.
What Happens at the DPS Office
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are changing your address (or name, or whatever is changing). Hand over your documents. The clerk will review them, ask you to confirm your information, and may ask why you are making the change.
You will then go to the photo station, where they take your picture for the new license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless it is for religious reasons. After the photo, you pay the fee — $45 for a standard five-year license, or $90 for an eight-year license if you are 60 or older. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card. Most offices do not take credit cards.
The clerk will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call DPS to check the status.
Changing Your Address Without Renewing
If your license is not expiring soon but you moved, you still need to update your address. Texas law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving. You can do this at any DPS office using the same process described above — bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of Social Security number and citizenship or legal presence.
You do not have to pay a fee to change your address alone. However, if your license is expiring within the next 60 days, DPS will renew it at the same time and charge you the renewal fee. If your license expires more than 60 days away, you change the address for free and keep your current expiration date.
Changing Your Name on Your License
To change your name, bring the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. You must visit a DPS office in person. The process is the same as changing your address: bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
You will pay the renewal fee ($45 for five years) even if your license is not expiring soon. DPS treats a name change as a renewal, so you get a new card with a new expiration date five or eight years out. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for any other change. You will pay the standard renewal fee, not a penalty. Texas does not charge extra to renew an expired license, no matter how long it has been expired.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago and you are only renewing (not changing your address or name), you can renew by mail. Mail your current license, a completed DL-44 form (available on the DPS website), and a check or money order for $45 to the DPS address listed on the form. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online?
No. Texas does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in a renewal form if you are only renewing and your license is not expired by more than two years. If you are changing your address, you must go to an office.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and show it to police. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, the temporary license remains valid for the full 30 days.
What if I moved out of state and need to change my Texas license?
If you moved out of Texas, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of renewing your Texas license. However, if you still need to update your Texas address for some reason, you can mail in a change-of-address form or visit a DPS office if you are back in Texas. Most people straightforward let their Texas license expire and get a new one from their new state.
Do I need an appointment?
No. DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) is usually faster than visiting on Monday or Friday afternoon.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still change your address or name. Bring a valid passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID instead of your driver's license. Bring the same other documents (proof of address, Social Security number, and citizenship or legal presence). You will pay the standard renewal fee and receive a new license with a new expiration date.