Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can change your Texas driver's license address without renewing your license. The Texas Department of Public Safety lets you update your address through their online system, by mail, or by visiting a driver's license office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at a DPS office typically take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Your current license remains valid; you only get a new card if you choose to renew it early or if your license is expiring soon anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at texas.gov/dps takes about five minutes and requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
  • If you mail your request, send a signed letter with your name, driver's license number, old address, new address, and signature to the DPS address listed on their website.
  • You can walk into any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address to change it in person.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your address change takes effect when ready online or in person, but may take one to two weeks by mail.

Change Your Address Online Through the DPS Website

Go to texas.gov/dps and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send you a confirmation email once the change is complete.

This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license status is not clear, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 before you start. The online system is available 24 hours a day, and the change shows up in the DPS database right away.

Mail Your Address Change to the DPS

Write a letter on plain paper that includes your full name, your current driver's license number, your old address, your new address, and your signature. Mail it to the address listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Address for Address Changes." Do not send your actual license card — the DPS does not need it.

Include nothing else in the envelope. The DPS processes mail requests in the order they arrive, which typically takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter, but your address will be updated in their system. If you need proof that the change went through, you can check your record online or call the DPS after two weeks.

Update Your Address In Person at a DPS Office

Find your nearest DPS driver's license office at texas.gov/dps. Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that proves your new address. The proof must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it.

Walk in during office hours — no appointment is needed, though some offices let you schedule one online to skip the line. Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew your license. The change takes effect when ready, and you walk out with your original license unchanged.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The DPS accepts any official document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. This includes a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, insurance paperwork, or mail from a government agency.

The document must have your full name on it — a bill in someone else's name will not work, even if you live there. If you just moved and do not have a dated document yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date, or bring a signed lease with your name on it.

Timeline and When Your Change Takes Effect

Online changes and in-person visits at a DPS office take effect when ready. You can use your updated address right away for any purpose. Mail requests take one to two weeks to process, so if you need proof of your new address sooner, use the online method or visit an office in person.

If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. This costs extra but gives you a fresh license with your new address already on it, valid for six years.

What Happens If You Move and Do Not Update Your Address

Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal in Texas, but it can cause problems. If you are pulled over, the officer may question why your address does not match where you live. More importantly, if you get a ticket or are involved in an accident, the DPS will have the wrong address on file, and you may miss court notices or insurance correspondence.

Updating your address keeps your license current with the DPS database and makes sure any official mail reaches you. It also ensures your driving record stays accurate if you ever need to check it for insurance or employment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first, then change your address. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew in person, you can change your address at the same visit.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or birth certificate?

No. For an address change only, you need your current driver's license and proof of your new address. You do not need to bring any other documents. If you are renewing your license at the same time, the DPS may ask for additional documents.

What if I moved to a new city but stayed in Texas?

The process is the same whether you moved across town or across the state. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, and the DPS will update your record. Your license number and expiration date do not change.

How long does it take to get a new license card with my new address?

You do not get a new card just for changing your address. Your current license stays the same. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you must renew your license, which costs a fee and takes several weeks to arrive by mail.

Can I change my address online if I just moved?

Yes, as long as your license is not expired or suspended. You do not need proof of your new address for the online method — the DPS only asks for your license number, date of birth, and the new address itself. The change takes effect when ready.