Where to start: the Texas Department of Public Safety

To change your Texas driver's license, you go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which issues and renews all driver's licenses in the state. You can do this in person at a DPS office, by mail for certain changes, or online through the DPS website for limited updates. The method you use depends on what you're changing — your address, name, or other information — and whether your license is still valid.

The fastest route is usually an in-person visit to your nearest DPS office, where staff can process most changes the same day. If you're only updating your address and your license hasn't expired, you may be able to do this online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be done online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person, and do not require a new photo or fee.
  • Name changes require an in-person visit, a court order or certified marriage certificate, and a new photo; the fee is the same as a renewal.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and any legal documents that support your change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • If your license has expired, you will need to renew it at the same time, which requires a vision test and may require a new photo depending on how long it has been expired.

Changing your address without visiting an office

If your license is still valid and you only need to update your address, you can change it online through the DPS website without paying a fee or visiting an office. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the address change option, enter your license number and personal information, and follow the prompts. Your new address will be mailed to you on a replacement license within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also change your address by mail. Fill out Form DL-43 (Change of Address), include a copy of your current license, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Again, there is no fee, and processing takes about two weeks. This method works only if your license is not expired.

Changing your name: what documents you need

A name change requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and proof of the legal reason for the change. If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name through the courts, you must bring the document that shows this: a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree, or a court order of name change. A photocopy is not enough — the document must be an official certified copy from the county clerk or the court that issued it.

When you arrive at the DPS office, staff will take a new photo for your license. The fee for a name change is the same as a license renewal: $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license with your updated name within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have a certified copy of your legal document, you can order one from the county clerk's office where the document was issued. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes a few days to arrive by mail.

What to bring to the DPS office

Bring your current driver's license, even if it is expired. You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. If you are changing your name, bring the certified legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are changing your address and have recently moved, bring the proof of residency for your new address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or birth certificate. You will also need to pass a vision test, so if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times

The Texas DPS website has a tool where you can enter your zip code and find all DPS offices near you, along with their hours and current wait times. Many offices are busier on certain days — Mondays and Fridays tend to have longer waits — so visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday morning may be faster. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can save you from waiting in line.

If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, you may be able to use a mobile DPS unit that visits certain towns on a schedule. The DPS website lists the dates and locations of mobile units in your region.

If your license has expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written test on traffic laws, depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring all the documents listed above, plus any legal documents if you are also changing your name or address.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an office, and you can change your address at the same time. However, if you are changing your name, you still must visit an office in person.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license is lost or stolen, visit a DPS office and report it. Bring your Social Security card or another form of ID and proof of residency. Staff will take a new photo and issue a replacement license with the same number. The fee is $11. You will receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days.

If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, ask the DPS staff to flag your file. You can also file a report with the Texas Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission if you believe someone is using your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. If your license is expired, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew it. You can change your address at the same time during that visit. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail and update your address without visiting an office.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Most changes — address updates, name changes, and renewals — result in a new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the DPS office staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license on the day of your visit.

Do I need to take a written test if I change my name or address?

No. A written test is required only if you are renewing an expired license and it has been expired for more than two years. Name and address changes do not require a written test, only a vision test.

What if I don't have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. You can order a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. It usually costs $5 to $15 and arrives within a few days. Some counties allow you to order online and pick up the same day.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. You cannot pick it up at the DPS office or have someone else collect it. If you need your license urgently, ask about temporary paper licenses when you visit the office.