You can change your address on a Texas learner's permit by visiting a DPS office in person with proof of your new address

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not allow you to change your address online or by mail. You must go to a DPS driver license office with your current learner's permit, a form of ID, and a document that shows your new address. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive an updated permit with your new address printed on it the same day.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. The DPS treats address changes as a correction to your existing permit, not a new permit. If your permit is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time, which does cost a fee, but the address change itself is free.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS driver license office in Texas with your current learner's permit, a valid ID, and proof of your new address to change your address.
  • Bring documents that show your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The address change is free and takes about 15 minutes; you will receive your updated permit the same day.
  • You cannot change your address online, by phone, or by mail — in-person visits are the only option.
  • If your permit expires within the next few months, consider renewing it at the same time to avoid another trip to the DPS office.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three things to the DPS office: your current learner's permit, a valid form of ID, and proof of your new address. Your learner's permit counts as ID, so if you have another form of ID (a passport, a school ID, or a state ID card), bring that as well. The DPS accepts either one.

For proof of your new address, the DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice (such as a tax return or court document) all work. The document must show your name and your new address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept — some offices will take a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter confirming your move.

Finding a DPS office near you

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office closest to you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. The office locator shows hours, services available at each location, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, so checking the wait time before you go can save you time.

You do not need an appointment to change your address. Walk-ins are accepted at all DPS offices, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. If your local office offers online reservations, using one can cut your wait time significantly, especially during busy hours.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you want to change your address. They will give you a number and you will wait until your number is called. When it is your turn, bring your learner's permit, ID, and proof of address to the window.

The DPS staff member will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your new address, and take a new photo if your current permit photo is more than five years old. They will then print your updated learner's permit on the spot. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will leave with your new permit in hand.

If your permit is expiring soon

Texas learner's permits are valid for five years from the date they were issued. If your permit expires within the next three to six months, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. This saves you a second trip to the DPS office later.

Renewal costs money — the fee varies depending on how long you want your new permit to be valid — but you can renew and change your address in one visit. Tell the DPS staff member when you check in that you want to both change your address and renew your permit. They will handle both transactions together.

Changing your address if you have moved out of state

If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot update your Texas learner's permit by mail or online. You have two options: return to Texas to visit a DPS office in person, or surrender your Texas permit and get a learner's permit in your new state.

Most states require you to get a new learner's permit if you move there, even if your Texas permit is still valid. Contact the driver license agency in your new state to find out what documents you need and whether they will honor your Texas permit while you are getting a new one. If you plan to return to Texas soon, it may be worth keeping your Texas permit and updating it when you return.

What to do if you lose your permit before changing your address

If you lose your learner's permit before you can change the address, you will need to get a replacement permit. Bring your ID and proof of your new address to the DPS office and tell the staff member that you lost your permit. They will issue you a replacement with your new address already on it. There is a small fee for a replacement permit, which is separate from the address change fee (which is free).

If you lost your permit and do not have a current ID, bring two documents that prove your identity and your new address. The DPS office can help you figure out what documents work if you call ahead or ask when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address on my learner's permit online?

No. Texas DPS does not offer online address changes for learner's permits. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with your permit, a valid ID, and proof of your new address.

How long does it take to change my address?

The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the DPS office. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Checking the DPS website for current wait times or booking an online time slot can help you plan your visit.

Do I have to pay to change my address on my learner's permit?

No. Changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your permit at the same time or if you are getting a replacement permit because you lost the original.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

Call the DPS office near you and explain your situation. Some offices accept notarized letters from landlords, utility company letters, or other documents if you recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your name at the new address.

Can I change my address if my learner's permit is expired?

You can change the address on an expired permit, but the DPS will likely ask you to renew it at the same time. Bring your expired permit, a valid ID, and proof of your new address. The staff member will let you know what fees explore.