How to Change Your Driver's License Address in Texas

The fastest way to change your address on your Texas driver's license

You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website without visiting a DPS office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not had more than one address change in the past year. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the "Online Services" section, and select "Change Address on Driver License or ID Card." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The change takes effect when ready online, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires or you renew it.

If you cannot use the online method — because your license is expired, you have changed addresses more than once in the past year, or you need the address updated on your physical card right away — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days), and proof of your Texas residency if you just moved to the state. There is no fee to change your address.

Key Takeaways

The online method at dps.texas.gov works if your license is current and you have not changed addresses more than once in the past year.
In-person visits to a DPS office are required if your license is expired, you have had multiple address changes recently, or you need your physical card updated when ready.
You will need proof of residency dated within the last 30 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
There is no charge to change your address on your driver's license in Texas.
Your physical card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license, even after you change it online.

What counts as proof of residency in Texas

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing, a notarized letter from the property owner stating that you live there can serve as proof, though this is less common and some DPS offices may ask for additional documentation.

Documents that do not count include mail from government agencies, credit card statements, or insurance policies — even if they show your address. If you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, call the DPS office you plan to visit before you go. The office phone number is on the DPS website under "Find a DPS Office."

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

Visit dps.texas.gov and use the "Find a DPS Office" tool to locate the office closest to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the site will show you the address, hours, and phone number. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. There is no need to make an appointment for an address change — you can walk in during business hours.

Bring your driver's license, proof of residency, and be prepared to wait. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. The address change itself takes only a few minutes once you reach the counter. You will receive a receipt confirming the change, and your new physical card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

When you cannot use the online method

The online system will not let you proceed if your license has expired. If this is the case, you must renew your license at the same time you change your address — you cannot change the address alone. You will need to visit a DPS office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Texas residency (if applicable). The renewal fee applies in addition to the address change, though the address change itself has no separate cost.

You also cannot use the online method if you have changed your address more than once in the past 12 months. This rule exists to prevent fraud. If you fall into this category, visit a DPS office with your license and proof of residency. Staff can usually process the change the same day.

Updating your address for vehicle registration at the same time

Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address do not have to match, but it is simpler if they do. You can change your vehicle registration address through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website at txdmv.gov without visiting an office. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you prefer to handle both at once in person, you can visit a DPS office for your driver's license and then go to a county tax assessor-collector's office (or an authorized agent) to update your vehicle registration. Some counties allow you to do both in the same building, so call ahead to ask. Updating your registration address is not required, but insurance companies and toll agencies use registration records, so keeping it current prevents billing problems.

What happens to your old physical card

Your current driver's license remains valid even after you change your address online. The old address on the card does not invalidate it for driving, voting, or other purposes. You can continue using it until it expires. When you renew your license — either at the expiration date or if you need an updated card sooner — you will receive a new card with your current address.

If you want a new card with your updated address before your renewal date, you can request one at a DPS office, though this costs the same as a renewal. Most people straightforward wait until their regular renewal cycle. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to replace it at a DPS office regardless of the address on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within a certain number of days after moving?

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. However, there is no penalty for changing it later, and your license remains valid even if the address is outdated. It is best to update it within the 30-day window to avoid complications with law enforcement or insurance claims.

Can I change my address if I do not have a utility bill or lease?

Yes. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or notarized letter from a property owner all count as proof of residency. If none of these are available, contact the DPS office you plan to visit — they can tell you what other documents they will accept.

Will my new address show up on my license card right away?

If you change your address online, it takes effect when ready in the system, but your physical card will still show the old address. Your new card with the updated address will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after an in-person visit. If you need the address updated on your card when ready, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?

You will need to renew your license when you return to Texas, not just change the address. Visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity. You cannot use the online address-change tool for this situation.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your driver's license is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time or requesting a replacement card before your renewal date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.