What you need to do to change your Texas driver's license

You can change your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail for certain updates, or online through the DPS website for limited changes. The method depends on what you're changing — your address, name, or photo — and how quickly you need it done. Most changes require you to bring your current license, proof of the change (like a marriage certificate or utility bill), and a completed process form.

Texas does not issue a new physical card for every change. Address changes and some name changes can happen without a new card being mailed to you. Photo updates and major name changes require a new card, which arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be done online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and do not always require a new card to be mailed.
  • Name changes require an original or certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) and result in a new card being mailed to you.
  • Photo updates must be done in person at a DPS office and require your current license and proof of identity.
  • You can change your address online through the DPS website if you have a valid Texas driver's license and a personal identification number (PIN).
  • In-person visits to a DPS office typically take 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is.

Changing your address on your Texas driver's license

An address change is the simplest update to make. You have three options: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at any DPS office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you have your current license number and a PIN. To use the online system, go to the DPS website, select "Change of Address," and follow the prompts. You will need to verify your identity using information from your license.

If you prefer to mail your change, send a completed DL-43 form (Change of Address) along with your current license to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can also walk into any DPS office with your current license and a piece of mail showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. An address change does not automatically trigger a new card; your current card remains valid at your old address until it expires.

Changing your name on your Texas driver's license

A legal name change requires proof of the change and results in a new card being mailed to you. The documents DPS accepts are an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption decree. You cannot use a photocopy or a document you printed from an online database — it must be certified by the issuing authority.

Bring your current license, the certified document, and a completed DL-43 form to any DPS office. You will also need to provide proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport). The office will take a new photo and submit your process. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you changed your name and your address at the same time, update your address first, then submit the name change with your new address on the process.

Updating your photo on your Texas driver's license

You can request a new photo without changing any other information on your license. This must be done in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of identity. There is no fee for a photo update if your license is not expiring within 60 days. If your license is expiring soon, you may be asked to renew instead, which costs the standard renewal fee.

A new photo takes about 10 to 15 minutes to process at the office. Your updated card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Changing other information on your license

If you need to change your sex designation, organ donor status, or emergency contact information, you can do some of these in person or by mail depending on what you're updating. Sex designation changes require a completed DL-43 form and supporting documentation (a court order, amended birth certificate, or letter from a licensed physician). Bring these to a DPS office along with your current license.

Organ donor status and emergency contact changes can often be updated online through the DPS website if you have your license number and PIN. If you cannot update online, visit a DPS office with your current license. These changes do not require a new card to be mailed unless you request one.

What to bring to a DPS office for any change

Bring your current Texas driver's license to any in-person visit. You will also need proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or U.S. passport) and proof of the specific change you are making. For an address change, bring a piece of mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address. For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document proving it. For a photo update, your current license and proof of identity are enough.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Bring your phone or a book — waits can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is.

How long changes take and when your new card arrives

Online address changes are processed when ready and take effect the same day. Mail-in address changes take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person changes at a DPS office are processed on the spot, but if a new card is being mailed, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Name changes, photo updates, and sex designation changes always result in a new card being mailed. Plan for 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need your new card faster, some DPS offices offer expedited mail options for an additional fee — ask at the office when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I don't have a PIN?

No, you need a PIN to use the online address change system. If you don't have one, you can request a PIN through the DPS website using your license number and other identifying information, or you can visit a DPS office in person to change your address.

Do I need to renew my license if I'm just changing my address?

No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your license remains valid at your old address until the expiration date printed on it. You only need to renew when your license expires or when you want to extend it.

What if my certified name change document is from another state?

DPS accepts certified documents from any U.S. state or territory. The document must be an original or certified copy issued by the authority that created it — a photocopy or printout will not be accepted, even if it looks official.

Can I change my license information by phone?

No. DPS does not process license changes over the phone. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person. All other changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office.

What happens if I move before my new card arrives?

Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided when you made the change. If you move again before it arrives, contact DPS with your new address so they can update it. You may be able to do this online or by phone depending on the type of change.