What you can and cannot change online

Texas lets you update some information on your driver's license through the Department of Public Safety website, but not everything. You can change your address, add or remove a Real ID star, update your organ donor status, and correct your name if you have legal documentation. You cannot renew an expired license online, change your photo, or update your license class online — those require an in-person visit to a DPS office.

The online process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right information ready. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you are changing your name, you will also need to upload a photo of your legal document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — before you submit.

Changes made online take effect when ready in the DPS system, but your physical card in the mail will show the updates. A new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days if you are changing your address or name. If you are only updating your organ donor status or Real ID information, no new card is mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your address, name, organ donor status, and Real ID information online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office.
  • Name changes require you to upload a photo of your legal document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — during the online process.
  • Address changes and name changes trigger a new physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Expired licenses, photo changes, and license class updates cannot be done online and require an appointment at a DPS office.

Step-by-step: updating your address online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Update Driver License Information" from the homepage. You will land on a page that asks you to choose what you want to change — pick "Address Change." Enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license.

The system will pull up your current information. Review it for accuracy, then enter your new address in the fields provided. Make sure the street address, city, state, and ZIP code are correct. If you have a suite or apartment number, include it in the street address line.

Review the new address one more time before you submit. Once you click submit, the change is recorded in the DPS database. You will see a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot. A new license card with your updated address will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Step-by-step: updating your name online

Start at the Texas DPS website and select "Update Driver License Information," then choose "Name Change." Enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will show your current name.

Type your new name in the fields provided — first name, middle name (if any), and last name. Then you must upload a photo of your legal document proving the name change. Acceptable documents are a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. Take a clear photo or scan of the document and upload it as a JPG or PDF file. The file must be under 5 MB.

Review your new name and the document you uploaded. If everything is correct, submit the request. You will receive a confirmation number. The DPS will review your document, and if approved, a new license card with your updated name will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If the document is unclear or missing information, DPS may contact you by phone or email to ask for a clearer image.

Updating your organ donor status and Real ID information

To change whether you are an organ donor, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Update Driver License Information," and choose "Organ Donor Status." Enter your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Select yes or no for organ donation and submit. This change takes effect when ready and does not trigger a new card.

To add or remove a Real ID star, follow the same process but choose "Real ID Information" instead. If you want to add a Real ID star, you will need to confirm that you have already submitted your documents to DPS — a passport, birth certificate, and proof of address. If you have not submitted Real ID documents yet, you cannot add the star online; you must visit a DPS office in person. Removing a Real ID star can be done online and takes effect when ready.

What to do if your update is rejected

If you uploaded a name-change document and DPS rejected it, you will receive an email or phone call explaining why. Common reasons include the document being too blurry, cut off at the edges, or missing a signature or date. Take a new photo or scan, making sure the entire document is visible and readable, and resubmit through the same online form.

If you resubmit and it is rejected again, or if you are unsure whether your document qualifies, visit a DPS office in person. Bring the original document and your driver's license. An employee can review it on the spot and process the change when ready if it is acceptable. You can find your nearest DPS office and book an appointment on the Texas DPS website.

When you need to visit a DPS office instead

Some changes cannot be made online. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at a DPS office. If you need to change your photo, update your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement), or correct information that requires proof beyond a name-change document, you will need an appointment.

Book an appointment on the Texas DPS website by selecting your county and choosing an available time slot. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and any documents related to what you are changing. If you are renewing an expired license, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Most appointments are completed within 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see my address change in the system?

Your address updates in the DPS database when ready after you submit online. However, your physical license card with the new address takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive in the mail. Until then, your old card is still valid for identification purposes.

Do I need to notify my insurance company after I change my address online?

Yes. Changing your address with DPS does not automatically update your auto insurance, voter registration, or vehicle registration. Contact your insurance company, your county voter registrar, and the Texas DMV separately to update those records.

What if I do not receive my new license card after 10 business days?

Wait 14 business days total before contacting DPS, as mail delivery can vary. If 14 days have passed, call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a DPS office with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed.

Can I change my address if I just moved and do not have proof of residency yet?

Yes, you can update your address online without proof of residency. The online form only requires your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. However, if you need to renew your license or change other information in person, you will need proof of residency at that time.

What happens if I upload the wrong document for a name change?

DPS will reject the submission and contact you to explain. You can resubmit with the correct document through the same online form. If you are unsure which document to use, visit a DPS office and an employee can advise you before you submit anything.