What you need to do to change your Texas driver license

To change your Texas driver license, you visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person with the right documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The change you need — whether it's your name, address, or something else — determines which documents to bring and whether you can renew by mail or online instead. Most changes require a visit to a DPS office, though address changes can sometimes be done online through the DPS website.

Texas does not mail you a new license automatically when your information changes. You have to request it. The process takes about 20 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be made online through the DPS website without visiting an office, but name changes and other updates require an in-person visit.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and any documents that support the change you are making.
  • The DPS charges a fee for most changes — typically $16 for a standard license change — and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.

Changing your address on your Texas license

An address change is the easiest update to make. You can do it online through the DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS driver license page, select the option to change your address, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. The online system will ask you to confirm your new address and may ask you to verify your identity through additional questions.

If you prefer to change your address in person, visit any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The office will update your record on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to you.

Changing your name on your Texas license

A name change requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your legal name change, and proof of residency. The certified document is usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order of name change, or adoption papers — the document must come from the county clerk or court that issued it, not a photocopy.

The DPS office will verify the document, take a new photo, and process your process. You pay the fee at the office. Your new license will show your updated name and arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid for identification purposes.

Changing other information on your license

If you need to change your gender marker, organ donor status, or emergency contact information, you must visit a DPS office in person. For a gender marker change, bring your current license and a certified document from a physician, mental health professional, or court showing your gender identity. The DPS office will process the change and issue a new license.

Organ donor status and emergency contact changes require only your current license and a visit to the office. These updates are processed when ready, and your new license is mailed to you. Some DPS offices allow you to update emergency contact information online, so check the DPS website for your local office's options.

Documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are changing. For any in-person visit, bring your current Texas driver license. For an address change, bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days.

For a name change, bring the certified document proving the change: marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. For a gender marker change, bring a certified letter from a physician or mental health professional, or a court order. For all visits, bring a form of identification if your current license is expired or lost.

Fees and how long the process takes

The fee for most license changes is $16 for a standard five-year license or $32 for an enhanced license. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your process. Some changes, like updating emergency contact information, may not carry a fee — ask the office when you arrive.

The in-person visit itself takes about 20 minutes. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification. If you need the license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Finding a DPS office near you

The Texas DPS website has a tool to find the nearest driver license office by city or zip code. Enter your location and the site will show office hours, services available at that location, and whether you need an appointment. Many DPS offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities, so check before you go.

You can book an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long. Calling ahead or booking online saves time and ensures a staff member is available to help with your specific change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The online address change system requires a valid, unexpired Texas driver license. If your license is expired, you must renew it first before changing your address. You can renew online if you meet the DPS requirements, or visit a DPS office to renew and change your address at the same time.

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. They can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. The DPS will not accept a photocopy or an uncertified document. The clerk can mail it to you or you can pick it up in person, depending on the county's process.

Do I need an appointment to change my license at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices in Texas now require appointments, but some accept walk-ins. Check the DPS website for your local office's policy. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away or face a long wait. Booking online takes a few minutes and guarantees your spot.

What happens if my new license arrives with an error?

Contact the DPS office where you made the change and explain the error. Bring your new license and any supporting documents. The DPS will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the office. If the error was caused by incorrect information you provided, there may be a fee to reissue.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Texas law requires you to pick up your license in person at a DPS office or have it mailed to your address on file. The license cannot be picked up by a family member or representative. If you need it faster than mail delivery, visit a DPS office and ask about expedited options.