Where to update your Texas driver's license
You update your Texas driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. These are physical locations where you go in person — there is no online option for most updates. You can find the nearest office by visiting the DPS website and using their office locator tool, which shows hours, address, and whether you need an appointment.
Some updates can be done by mail, but only if you are renewing your license at the same time and meet specific conditions. For a change of address, name, or other information on an active license, the DPS requires you to appear in person with your current license and proof of the change.
Key Takeaways
- Most updates to your Texas driver's license require an in-person visit to a DPS office with your current license and proof of the change.
- A change of address is the fastest update and usually takes a few minutes; you do not need a new photo or to retake the written test.
- A name change requires a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree as proof, along with your current license.
- You can check DPS office wait times and book an appointment online before you go, which saves time on the day.
- Mail-in updates are only available if you are renewing your license at the same time and meet DPS requirements for your specific situation.
What documents you need for each type of update
The documents you bring depend on what you are changing. For a change of address, bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. You do not need to bring anything else.
For a name change, bring your current license, a court order (if the change was through a legal proceeding), a marriage certificate (if you took your spouse's name), or a divorce decree (if you changed your name after divorce). The document must be an official copy, not a photocopy you made yourself. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued.
For a change of gender marker, bring your current license and a signed statement from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner confirming your gender identity. The form is available on the DPS website, and your healthcare provider can sign it during an office visit.
How to prepare before you go to the DPS office
Before you leave home, gather your current license and the proof document for your specific change. Check that your proof document is dated within the required window — most address documents must be from the last 60 days, though some types (like a mortgage statement) may be older. If your document is outside the window, get a newer one first.
Visit the DPS website and use the office locator to find the location nearest you. Write down the address and hours. Many offices now allow you to book an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. If appointments are not available, you can still walk in, but arrive early in the day — DPS offices are busiest in the afternoon and on Fridays.
Bring your Social Security number or a document with it (like a Social Security card or tax return). You will also need to bring a form of identification beyond your driver's license — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. If you do not have one, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept.
What happens when you arrive at the DPS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. Tell the staff member what you are updating. They will give you a number or direct you to a window. Have your current license and proof document ready to hand over.
The DPS staff will verify your information, check your proof document, and update your record in their system. For an address change, this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. For a name change, it may take longer because the staff member has to verify the court order or certificate. You will not need to take a new photo or retake any tests unless your license is expiring soon or you are renewing at the same time.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is proof that you have updated your information and can be used to drive when ready.
Fees and processing time
Most updates to an active license are free. You do not pay a fee to change your address, name, or gender marker. The only exception is if you are renewing your license at the same time — in that case, you pay the renewal fee, which is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used to drive right away. Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you need the new license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this varies by location.
If you cannot go in person
If you have a medical condition or other circumstance that prevents you from visiting a DPS office, you can request a home visit. Contact your local DPS office directly to ask about this option — not all offices offer it, and you may need to provide a doctor's letter explaining why you cannot travel. Home visits are not common and may take longer to schedule.
For a mail-in update, you must be renewing your license at the same time and meet specific DPS criteria. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. If you are renewing and changing your address at the same time, you can submit both changes by mail. Contact the DPS to request a renewal-by-mail packet, which includes the form and instructions.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the DPS office tells you that your proof document is not acceptable, ask what alternative documents they will take. Different staff members sometimes interpret the rules differently, so if you are turned away, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or call the DPS customer service line to confirm what is required for your situation.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS. Bring your temporary paper license and ask them to check the status. In rare cases, licenses are lost in the mail, and the DPS can reissue one. If your address was entered incorrectly, the DPS can send a corrected license to the right address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my address online?
No. Texas does not offer online updates for driver's license information. You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license and proof of your new address. The only exception is if you are renewing your license by mail at the same time, in which case you can submit both the renewal and address change together.
Do I need a new photo when I change my address?
No. A change of address does not require a new photo. Your existing photo stays on your license. You only get a new photo if you renew your license or if you request one separately.
How long does a name change take at the DPS office?
The office visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready. Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The total time from start to finish is about two weeks.
What if I lost my proof document for my name change?
You can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was originally issued. For a marriage certificate, contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. For a divorce decree, contact the county clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. Certified copies usually cost $10 to $25 and take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive by mail.
Can I update my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot update information on a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Once your license is active again, you can make updates. Contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are needed to restore it.