What You Need to Do to Update Your Texas Driver's License
You can update your Texas driver's license in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail for certain changes, or online through the Texas DPS website for address-only updates. The method you use depends on what information you are changing — a name change requires in-person verification, while an address change can often be handled online or by mail. Most updates take between 7 and 21 days if you mail your request, or you receive a temporary license when ready if you go in person.
Texas does not require you to renew your license just to update it. You can change your information at any time during your license's validity period without paying a renewal fee, though some changes (like adding a Real ID star) may require a small fee or a new photo.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be completed online through the Texas DPS website or by mail without visiting an office, but name changes and other updates require an in-person appointment.
- You will need your current Texas driver's license, proof of your new information (such as a marriage certificate for a name change), and proof of residency for address updates.
- In-person updates at a DPS office take about 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail-in updates for address changes typically take 7 to 21 days and cost nothing, but you cannot use this method for name changes or other identity updates.
- You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are accepted at most offices.
Updating Your Address Online or by Mail
If you are only changing your mailing address, you can do this entirely online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to the DPS website, select "Change of Address," enter your license number and personal information, and submit your new address. The change takes effect when ready for mailing purposes, though your physical card will not reflect the new address until your next renewal.
If you prefer to mail your address change, send a completed Change of Address form (available on the DPS website) along with your current license and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days) to the address listed on the form. Do not send your original license unless the form specifically instructs you to do so — many offices will return it, but some may not. Allow 7 to 21 days for processing.
Updating Your Name, Gender Marker, or Other Identity Information
Name changes, gender marker updates, and corrections to your date of birth or other personal details require an in-person visit to a DPS office. You will need to bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a gender marker change, or a birth certificate if correcting your date of birth), and a document proving your current address if it differs from what is on your license.
Schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website to reduce wait times, though walk-ins are accepted. Bring all documents in original form or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for name or gender changes. The DPS staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are changing your gender marker, Texas allows you to select Male, Female, or X (non-binary). You will need a court order or a signed statement from a licensed physician, psychologist, or counselor confirming your gender identity. Some counties process these faster than others, so call your local DPS office ahead of time if you want to know the typical timeline.
Adding or Removing the Real ID Star
The Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner of your license) indicates that your license meets federal identification standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it, or if you want to remove it, you must visit a DPS office in person.
To add the Real ID star, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and two documents proving your current address (such as a utility bill and a lease, or two recent bank statements). There is no fee to add the star if you are not renewing your license at the same time. If you are renewing and adding the star together, the renewal fee applies.
To remove the Real ID star, straightforward ask the DPS staff when you visit for another update, or call your local office to request removal by mail. Removal is free and takes the same amount of time as other updates.
Documents You Will Need for In-Person Updates
| Type of Update | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Name change | Current license, marriage certificate or divorce decree (original or certified copy), proof of current address |
| Gender marker change | Current license, court order or physician/counselor statement, proof of current address |
| Address change (in person) | Current license, one document proving new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement dated within 90 days) |
| Add Real ID star | Current license, proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), two documents proving current address |
| Correct date of birth or other error | Current license, birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of current address |
How to Schedule an Appointment and What to Expect
You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website by selecting your county and choosing an available time slot. Appointments are typically available within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on your location. Walk-ins are accepted at all DPS offices, but wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
When you arrive for your appointment, bring all required documents and your current license. The DPS staff will review your documents, ask you to sign a form confirming the change, take a new photo, and process your temporary license. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact your local DPS office with your temporary license number.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send original documents by mail unless the form explicitly asks you to do so. For address changes by mail, a photocopy of your license is acceptable, but for name or gender changes, you must appear in person. If you are changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree — a photocopy will be rejected.
Do not assume your address change is complete after updating it online. The online change updates your mailing address for DPS records but does not print a new physical license. If you need your license to show your new address (for example, if you are using it as proof of residency), you must renew your license or visit an office in person to request a replacement card with the new address.
Do not delay if you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce. Texas has no important date, but updating your license early prevents confusion with other agencies like the Social Security Administration, which you will also need to notify separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my license by phone or email?
No. Address changes can be done online or by mail, but all other updates require an in-person visit to a DPS office. You cannot complete name changes, gender marker updates, or Real ID additions over the phone or by email.
Do I have to pay a fee to update my license information?
No fee is charged for updating your address, name, gender marker, or correcting errors on your license. Adding the Real ID star is also free unless you are renewing your license at the same time, in which case the renewal fee applies.
What if I lost my current license and need to update it?
You will need to replace your license first by visiting a DPS office with your proof of identity and residency. Once you have your replacement license, you can then make any updates you need. You cannot update a license you do not have.
How long does it take to receive my updated license in the mail?
If you update in person, your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in an address change, allow 7 to 21 days. If you have not received your license within 14 days of your in-person visit, contact your local DPS office with your temporary license number.
Can I use my temporary license as a Real ID for air travel?
No. Your temporary license is valid for identification within Texas but does not meet Real ID standards for federal purposes. You must wait for your permanent license with the Real ID star to use it for air travel or federal building entry.