The fastest way: online through DPS
You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the driver's license section, and look for the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The change takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical card will not be updated until it expires or you renew it.
This online method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years. If any of those explore, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through dps.texas.gov is free and takes a few minutes, and your new address is active right away even though your card stays the same.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years, you must go to a DPS office in person to change your address.
- A DPS office visit costs $11 and takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the location is.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of residency if you moved to Texas from another state.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your name and new address. You will pay $11 and receive an updated license on the spot, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
If you moved to Texas from another state, bring both your proof of new address and a document showing your Texas residency, such as a voter registration card, vehicle registration, or property tax receipt. If you do not have your current license with you, bring your Social Security card and a birth certificate or passport instead.
Finding a DPS office near you
Use the DPS office locator on dps.texas.gov to find the nearest driver's license office, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter waits than those in major cities. Many offices do not take appointments, so you walk in during business hours. A few high-traffic locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio do offer appointment scheduling through the website, which can cut your wait time significantly.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office takes appointments. The DPS office locator includes phone numbers for each location.
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 creates problems. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address and may question whether you still live there. If you receive a traffic ticket or citation, the court may have trouble reaching you at the address on your license. Insurance companies may also flag a mismatch between your policy address and your license address, which can affect your rates or coverage.
More importantly, if you are involved in an accident or need to renew your license, the outdated address can delay processing. It is simpler to update it as soon as you move.
Updating your address when you renew your license
You can change your address at the same time you renew your license. Texas licenses are valid for eight years, and you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you can update your address as part of that process. If you renew in person at a DPS office, tell the clerk you need an address change and bring your proof of new address.
Renewing in person costs $16 for a standard eight-year license. Renewing by mail or online costs $16 as well, but you cannot change your address online unless you do it separately through the address-change tool first.
Changing your address if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online address change tool. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license (or your Social Security card and birth certificate if you do not have it), proof of your new address, and any documents related to why your license was suspended or revoked — for example, a letter from the court or DPS explaining the suspension.
The office will update your address while your license is suspended, but you will not be able to drive legally until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Changing your address if your license is expired by more than two years
An expired license cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person and explore for a new license, which costs $16. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and your Social Security card. The office will issue you a new license with your current address on the spot.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, depending on how long it has been expired. Ask the DPS office when you call or visit to find out what tests explore to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I just moved?
Yes, as long as your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years. Go to dps.texas.gov, use the address change tool, and your new address will be active when ready. Your physical card will not change until you renew it, but the system will show your current address.
How long does it take to change my address in person?
Most DPS offices process an address change in 30 minutes to an hour. Busier offices in large cities may take longer. A few offices offer appointments, which can reduce wait time. Call your local office or check dps.texas.gov to see if appointments are available near you.
What counts as proof of my new address?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or vehicle registration dated within the last 90 days and showing your name and new address all work. If you moved to Texas from another state, bring both your proof of address and a document showing Texas residency, such as a voter registration card or property tax receipt.
Do I have to change my address if I move?
It is not illegal to drive with an outdated address, but it can cause problems with traffic tickets, insurance, and license renewal. It is simpler to update your address as soon as you move, either online or at a DPS office.
What if I lost my driver's license and moved at the same time?
Go to a DPS office and report your license lost. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of your new address. You will receive a replacement license with your current address for $11. If your license has been expired for more than two years, the cost is $16 and you may need to pass a vision test.