Where to update your Texas driver's license
You update your Texas driver's license at a Driver License Division office, which is run by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas has about 130 of these offices across the state — they are separate from vehicle registration offices and from the county tax assessor's office. You cannot update your license by mail, phone, or online for most changes, though you can renew an expiring license online if you meet specific conditions.
The closest office to you is searchable on the Texas DPS website. You can look up locations, hours, and current wait times before you go. Some offices are busier than others; smaller towns often have shorter waits than major cities. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you will need to visit in person and bring documents that prove the change.
You do not need an appointment at most Texas DPS offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling. Checking ahead for your specific office can save you time, especially if you are making a trip specifically to update your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person to change your name, address, or other information on your Texas license.
- Bring a current ID, proof of the change you are making (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill), and your Social Security number or an acceptable alternative.
- The Texas DPS website shows office locations, hours, and wait times so you can plan your visit.
- Processing usually takes a few minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired or will expire soon, you may be able to renew online instead of visiting an office, depending on your situation.
Documents you need to bring
What you bring depends on what you are changing. For any update, you will need your current Texas driver's license or ID card, your Social Security number (or an acceptable alternative if you do not have one), and proof of the change itself.
If you are changing your name, bring an original or certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. A photocopy is not enough; it must be an official document or a certified copy. If you are changing your address, bring a current utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement that shows your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are changing your gender marker, bring a certified copy of an amended birth certificate, a court order, or a signed statement from a licensed physician or mental health professional. Texas law allows you to change your gender marker on your license without a court order if you have medical documentation.
Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have a Social Security number or cannot bring the card, you can bring an alternative document such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security Administration letter. A passport also works as proof of identity and citizenship.
Steps to update your license at the office
When you arrive at the Driver License Division office, you will check in and receive a number or be added to the queue. You will then wait to be called to a counter. Have your documents ready and organized so you can hand them over quickly.
At the counter, tell the staff member what you are changing. They will review your documents, ask you to confirm your information, and may take a new photo if the change requires it. For a name change, address change, or gender marker change, a new photo is standard. You will sign a form confirming the information is correct.
The staff member will tell you when your new license will arrive. Most licenses are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive it at the address you provided. If you need to use your license before it arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license — some offices issue these on the spot, though not all do.
When you can renew online instead
If your license is expiring and you only need to renew it — not change your name, address, or other information — you may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website. You are may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired yet, you have no medical conditions that require a new photo, and you have not changed your address or other key information since your last license was issued.
Online renewal costs less than an in-person renewal and takes about 10 business days. You will receive your new license by mail. If any of your information has changed, you must visit an office in person instead.
If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit an office and may need to take a new written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. The longer your license has been expired, the more requirements you will face.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of updating your license depends on what you are changing and how long your new license will be valid. A standard update with a new photo costs between $25 and $35. A renewal-only update (no photo, no information change) costs less. Fees vary slightly based on whether you are getting a standard license, a Real ID license, or a commercial license.
Texas DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so bringing cash or a debit card is safest. Ask at your office if you are unsure.
If you are updating your license because of a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order, the update itself is not free, but some counties offer fee waivers or reductions for certain situations. Ask the staff member when you arrive whether any waivers explore to you.
What happens after you submit your update
After you leave the office, your update is sent to the Texas DPS processing center. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are weather delays.
You can track the status of your license on the Texas DPS website if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. The website will show whether your license has been mailed and may provide an estimated delivery date.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS by phone or through their website. Keep your temporary paper license (if you received one) until your new license arrives. If you lose your license before the new one comes, you will need to visit an office again to report it lost and request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my address without going to an office?
No. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person to change your address. You cannot update your address online, by mail, or by phone. Bring a current utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I update it?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office. Standard mail delivery adds a few more days. If you need to use your license before it arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license, though not all offices issue these.
What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married or from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work at the DPS office. Plan ahead if you need a certified document.
Do I need a Real ID license, or is a standard license enough?
A standard Texas driver's license works for most purposes. A Real ID license is required only if you want to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Real ID licenses cost more and require additional documents. Ask the staff member at the office which type you need.
What if I lost my license and need to update information at the same time?
Report the loss to the office when you arrive. You will need to pay for a replacement license. If you are also changing your address or name, bring the documents for that change as well. The office will issue a new license with both the replacement and the updated information.