The fastest way to change your address on a Texas license

You can update your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver's license office, as long as your license is valid and you have not changed your name. The online service takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot use the online option — because your license is expired, suspended, or you have changed your name — you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

Texas does not require you to update your address by a specific date, but doing it soon after you move prevents problems if you are pulled over or need to show your license as proof of residency. Some services, like opening a bank account or registering to vote, may ask for a current address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online at the Texas DPS website if your license is valid and your name has not changed.
  • An in-person visit to a DPS office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or you have changed your name.
  • Online address changes are free and take about 10 minutes; no appointment is needed.
  • You will receive a new physical license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after an online change.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity if you visit an office in person.

Updating your address online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Answer a few security questions to verify your identity, then enter your new address and confirm it is correct.

After you submit the change online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Texas will mail you a new license card with your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it.

The online service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need an appointment, and there is no fee.

When you must visit a DPS office in person

If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot use the online service. The same applies if you have changed your name — whether through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — because the DPS system requires your name to match their records before you can update your address online.

In these cases, you will need to visit a DPS driver's license office. Bring your current license (even if expired), your new proof of residency, and proof of your identity. If you changed your name, also bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

What to bring to a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license, even if it is expired. You will also need one document that proves your new address. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Bring one form of identification that shows your name and date of birth — your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. If you changed your name, bring the legal document that proves it.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online. Visiting early in the day or mid-week often means shorter wait times.

How long the process takes

An online address change takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license is still valid.

An in-person visit at a DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if you move again before your new license arrives

If you move a second time before your new license card arrives, you can update your address again online or in person. There is no penalty for multiple changes. However, each change triggers a new card to be mailed, so you may end up with cards in the mail for both addresses.

To avoid confusion, wait for your new card to arrive before you move again if possible. If you cannot wait, update your address as soon as you know your new location. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I move to another state?

No. If you move out of Texas, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Texas address. You can keep your Texas license as a form of identification, but your new state's license will be your official driving credential there.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

If you cannot provide a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can bring two other documents that together show your name and new address — such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency. Ask the DPS office what documents they will accept before you visit.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended?

You cannot use the online service if your license is suspended. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The address change itself does not affect your suspension status.

Will updating my address cost anything?

No. Changing your address online or in person is free. You only pay a fee if you need to renew your license early or replace a lost or damaged card.

What if the DPS mails my new license to the wrong address?

Contact the DPS when ready with your confirmation number from the online change or your receipt from the office visit. Provide the correct address and ask them to remail the card. If your card was mailed to an old address, try to retrieve it if possible, or contact the DPS to report it lost.