When and how 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 DPS website for address-only updates. The method depends on what you're changing — your address, name, or other information — and whether your license is still valid or has expired.

Most updates require you to visit a DPS office in person and bring documents that prove your identity and the change you're making. Address changes are the fastest and can sometimes be done without an office visit. If your license has expired, you'll need to renew it at the same time, which involves a new photo and may require a vision test.

The DPS processes most updates within two to four weeks. You'll receive your updated license by mail at the address you provide. During that time, you can use your old license as proof of identity if you still have it.

Key Takeaways

  • Address-only changes can be completed online through the Texas DPS website or by mail, without visiting an office.
  • Name changes, corrections to personal information, and updates to an expired license require an in-person visit to a DPS office with supporting documents.
  • You'll need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or previous license) and proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill for address changes).
  • Your updated license arrives by mail within two to four weeks; keep your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license is expired, you cannot update it by mail or online — you must renew it in person at a DPS office.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you're updating. For any in-person visit, bring one form of primary identification — your passport, birth certificate, or previous Texas driver's license. You'll also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or tax return.

For a name change, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If you were married outside the United States, bring the original marriage certificate and an English translation certified by a translator.

For an address change, bring one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you're updating online or by mail, you won't need to bring anything, but you'll need to provide your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

For corrections to other information (such as eye color, height, or sex designation), bring documents that support the correction. For sex designation changes, Texas DPS accepts a court order or a certified letter from a physician or mental health professional.

Updating your address online or by mail

An address-only change is the simplest update. You can do it online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS driver's license services page, select "Change Address," and enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The fee is $0 — address changes are free.

If you prefer to mail the change, read the DL-43 form from the DPS website, fill it out with your new address, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail processing takes longer than online — typically three to four weeks — so online is faster if you have access to a computer.

Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. If you need to update your address before your license arrives, you can update it again online at no charge.

Updating your name or other personal information in person

Name changes and corrections to other information must be done at a DPS office. Find your nearest office on the DPS website and check the hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or require you to arrive early because they serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bring your primary identification, proof of Social Security number, and the document that proves your change (marriage certificate, court order, or physician's letter). The DPS staff will take a new photo and may ask you to take a vision test. The fee for a name change or correction is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

You'll receive a receipt showing your new license number. Your updated license will be mailed to the address on file within two to four weeks. If you need to update your address at the same time, tell the DPS staff — they can do both in one visit.

Renewing an expired license while updating information

If your license has expired, you cannot update it by mail or online. You must renew it in person at a DPS office, and you can make other changes at the same time.

Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and any documents supporting the changes you want to make (marriage certificate, address proof, or court order). The DPS will take a new photo and may give you a vision test. The renewal fee is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, plus any additional fees for changes like name correction.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to pass a written test in addition to the vision test. The DPS staff can tell you whether this applies to you when you arrive.

What happens after you submit your update

After you update your license online, by mail, or in person, the DPS processes the change and mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods or if the DPS needs to verify documents.

You can track the status of your license on the DPS website by entering your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The website will tell you whether your license is being processed, has been mailed, or is ready for pickup (if you chose in-office pickup instead of mail delivery).

Keep your old license until your new one arrives. If you need to prove your identity before the new license arrives, your old license is still valid for that purpose. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No. If your license has expired, you must renew it in person at a DPS office before you can update your address. You can make the address change at the same time you renew, and the DPS will process both changes together.

How much does it cost to update my license?

Address-only changes are free. Name changes and corrections to personal information cost $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you're renewing an expired license at the same time, you pay the renewal fee plus any fees for the changes.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?

Most DPS offices serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some offices in larger cities may have appointment systems. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are available or required.

What if I made a mistake on my update process?

If you submitted an online address change and made an error, you can update it again online at no charge. If you submitted a form by mail or visited an office in person, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to report the error. They may be able to correct it before your license is mailed.

Can I pick up my updated license at the DPS office instead of having it mailed?

Some DPS offices offer in-office pickup for renewed or updated licenses, but not all do. Ask the staff when you visit or call your local office to ask whether this option is available. If it is, you can usually pick up your license within one to two weeks instead of waiting for mail delivery.