What "changing" your Texas driver's license means
Changing your Texas driver's license means updating information on an existing license — your name, address, or physical description — or replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. You do not need a new license number; the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) updates your record and issues a new card with the same number.
The process depends on what changed. An address change can happen online or by mail. A name change requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with legal documentation of the name change. A damaged or lost license also requires an in-person visit. Each route has different documents, fees, and timelines.
Texas does not mail renewal notices, so you are responsible for tracking when your license expires and when you need to renew it separately from any change you make now. A change does not extend your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be done online through the Texas DPS website or by mail, and cost nothing if done online.
- Name changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office with a certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree proving the new name.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require an in-person visit and cost $11 for a replacement card.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency for any change method.
- Processing times range from same-day (in-person) to 7 to 10 business days (by mail).
Changing your address online or by mail
An address change is the fastest and cheapest option if that is all you need to update. The Texas DPS allows you to change your address without visiting an office, but you must choose between online and mail — you cannot do both at the same time.
Online address change: Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov), select "Driver License Services," and choose "Change Address Online." You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to upload proof of your new Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The fee is $0. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail address change: Complete form DL-43 (available on the DPS website) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with proof of your new address. Include a copy of your current license if possible. The fee is $0. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form. Do not send your original license unless it is damaged.
If you move out of state or your address is now outside Texas, you cannot use the online or mail method — you must visit a DPS office in person and may need to renew your license instead of straightforward changing the address.
Changing your name in person at a DPS office
A name change always requires an in-person visit to a Texas DPS office. You cannot do this by mail or online. You must bring legal proof that your name has changed, and the type of document depends on why your name changed.
Required documents for a name change: Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new name, and proof of Texas residency. The proof of new name must be one of the following: a certified copy of a court order changing your name, an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, an original or certified copy of a divorce decree showing your new name, or an adoption decree. A photocopy is not acceptable — the document must be an original or certified copy. Bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
The in-person visit: Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go. Bring all documents listed above plus your Social Security number. The fee for a name change is $16 if your license is not expiring within 60 days, or $32 if it is expiring soon (because you will renew at the same time). You will receive your new license on the spot or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
If your name change was due to marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified marriage certificate or divorce decree — not a photocopy. If the document is from another state or country, bring a certified English translation as well.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot replace it by mail or online. The process is quick but requires specific documents.
What to bring: Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within the last 60 days. If your license was stolen, you do not need to file a police report first, but having a report number can speed up the process. Bring your current license if you still have it, even if it is damaged.
At the DPS office: Tell the staff member that you need a replacement. The fee is $11. You will receive your new license on the spot in most cases, or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your license number stays the same.
If your license was stolen, consider reporting it to the DPS fraud unit as well. This creates a record that the card is no longer valid and can protect you if someone tries to use it.
Finding a DPS office and what to expect
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many smaller towns. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) to find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see if it offers walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices are appointment-only; others take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead if you are unsure.
Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for name changes or replacements. Arrive early if you are a walk-in; wait times vary by location and time of day. If you are renewing your license at the same time as making a change, bring your renewal documents as well (proof of residency, Social Security number, and any medical or vision documentation if required).
If you cannot visit an office in person, you may be able to use a DPS-authorized third-party vendor in some areas. These vendors can handle certain transactions like address changes or replacements. Check the DPS website for vendors near you.
Fees and processing times at a glance
| Change Type | Method | Fee | Processing Time | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address | Online | $0 | 7–10 business days | License number, SSN last 4, DOB, proof of address |
| Address | $0 | 7–10 business days | Form DL-43, proof of address | |
| Name | In-person | $16–$32 | Same-day or 7–10 business days | Court order, marriage cert, or divorce decree; proof of residency |
| Lost/Stolen/Damaged | In-person | $11 | Same-day or 7–10 business days | ID, SSN proof, proof of residency |
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not send your original license by mail unless it is damaged and you are requesting a replacement. For address changes by mail, a photocopy is fine. For name changes, do not bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate or court order — the DPS will reject it and you will have to return with the original or a certified copy.
Do not assume your license expiration date changes when you make a change. It does not. If your license expires within 60 days of a name change, you will renew at the same time, but a straightforward address change does not extend your expiration. Track your expiration date separately and renew before it passes.
Do not wait to change your address if you have moved. Driving with an outdated address on your license can complicate traffic stops, insurance claims, and vehicle registration. Change it as soon as you move, especially if you moved to a different county or city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if I just moved to Texas from another state?
No. If you moved from out of state, you must renew your license in person at a DPS office, not straightforward change the address. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, proof of your Social Security number, and any required vision or medical documentation. You will receive a new Texas license with a new number.
What if my name change document is from another country?
Bring the original document plus a certified English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator, not a friend or family member. Some DPS offices may ask for additional verification, so call ahead to confirm what they need.
How long does it take to get a replacement license if I lost mine?
If you visit a DPS office in person, you may receive your replacement license the same day. If the office mails it, expect 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer faster service if you pay an additional fee for expedited processing — ask when you visit.
Do I need to change my license if I got married but kept my last name?
No. If your name did not change, you do not need to update your license. However, you may want to update your address if you moved. If you changed your name but your license still shows your old name, you should update it to avoid confusion with identification and legal documents.
What happens if I change my address online but then move again before my new license arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready with your new address. You can submit another online address change, or visit a DPS office in person to update it. Do not wait for the first license to arrive if you have moved again — having an outdated address on your license can cause problems.