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

You can update your Texas driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail for certain changes, or online through the Texas DPS website for a few specific updates. The method depends on what you're changing — your address, name, or photo — and whether your license is still valid. Most updates take a few minutes in person, though mail renewals can take two to three weeks.

Texas allows you to handle some changes without renewing your entire license, which saves time and money. Other changes require a full renewal, which means a new photo and a new expiration date. Knowing which category your update falls into will tell you exactly where to go and what documents to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be done online through the Texas DPS website or in person at any DPS office without renewing your license.
  • Name changes require a visit to a DPS office in person and proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Photo updates and license renewals must be done in person at a DPS office, and you will receive a new license with a new expiration date.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, but only Texas residents with a valid address on file can use this method.

Updating your address without renewing your license

An address change is the quickest update. You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo — you straightforward notify DPS of your new address. Texas lets you do this online through the DPS website, which takes about five minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

If you prefer to update in person, visit any DPS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. The office will update your record on the spot, and your physical license does not change — only the address in the system.

Changing your name on your license

A legal name change — whether from marriage, divorce, or court order — requires a visit to a DPS office. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your legal name change, and a document showing your new name. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order.

DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name and a new expiration date. You will also get a new photo taken. The fee for a name change is the same as a renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as DPS will verify it during the process.

Getting a new photo or renewing your license

If you want a new photo on your current license without any other changes, you must renew your license in full. This means a new expiration date and a new license card. You can do this in person at any DPS office or by mail if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo for any other reason — which means this option does not explore if you are reading this section.

In person is faster: you walk in, take a new photo, pay the renewal fee, and leave with your new license the same day or within a few days. By mail takes two to three weeks. If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 30 days), and your Social Security card or a document with your number on it.

Renewing your license by mail

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. Mail the completed renewal form (DL-44) along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. This method works well if your current photo is acceptable and you want to avoid a trip to the office, but it is slower than renewing in person. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests depending on how long it has been expired.

What to bring to a DPS office for any in-person update

For any visit to a DPS office — whether you are changing your name, getting a new photo, or renewing — bring these documents: your current driver's license, your Social Security card or a document with your number, and proof of residency if your address has changed. Proof of residency is a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.

If you are changing your name, also bring the document that proves the change: marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or travel document. Bring the renewal fee in cash or card — DPS offices accept both. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations allow you to schedule one online to skip the wait.

How long updates take and when you can use your old license

In-person updates are usually done the same day or within a few business days. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid for driving. If you need to prove your identity before your new license arrives, you can ask for a receipt at the DPS office showing that you have renewed — some businesses and agencies will accept this as proof of an update.

Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your old license remains valid during this time. If you need your new license urgently, renewing in person is your only option. DPS does not issue temporary licenses or expedited mail service, so plan ahead if you know your license is about to expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address online if I just moved?

Yes. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the address change option, and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The update takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical license will not change. You can also update in person at any DPS office with proof of your new address.

What if my name change document is from another state?

DPS will accept name change documents from any state — marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders are all recognized. Bring the original or a certified copy. If the document is in another language, bring a certified English translation along with the original. DPS staff can tell you if your specific document qualifies when you call ahead.

Do I have to retake the written test if I renew my license?

No. Renewals do not require you to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license expired less than two years ago, you only need to provide your documents, pay the fee, and get a new photo.

How much does it cost to update my address or name?

Address changes are free if you do them online. In-person address changes are also free. Name changes and photo updates require a renewal fee, which depends on your license type and how long you want the new license to be valid — typically five, eight, or ten years. Check the Texas DPS website for current fees.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find it before my appointment?

Bring another document with your Social Security number on it, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you have none of these, call the DPS office ahead of time to ask what alternatives they accept. You may be able to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration instead.