Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DMV
Texas allows you to change your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. You have three routes: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing — but it works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those explore, you must go in person or renew your license at the same time.
The address change does not extend your license expiration date. Your license remains valid until the date printed on it, regardless of when you update your address. This matters if you are moving and your license expires within the next year — you may want to renew at the same time to avoid a second trip.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Texas DPS website are free and take a few minutes, but only work if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
- By-mail address changes require a completed form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take two to three weeks.
- In-person changes at a DPS office take about 30 minutes and cost nothing, and work even if your license is expired or you changed your name.
- Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address, so check when your license expires before deciding whether to renew at the same time.
- Proof of address must show your name and current address — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work.
Online Address Change Through the Texas DPS Website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the address change option under driver's license services. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready and send a confirmation email to the address you provide.
This method works only if your license has not expired and you have not changed your name since it was issued. If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject your request and direct you to renew instead. If you changed your name, you must visit a DPS office in person with a name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The online change is free and takes effect right away. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS records will show your new address. When you renew your license later, the new card will print with the updated address.
Address Change by Mail
read or request the process for a Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in Section 2 with your new address. Attach a photocopy of both sides of your current driver's license and one document proving your new address.
Mail the completed form, license copy, and proof of address to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $11 if you want a replacement card printed with your new address; if you do not include payment, your address will be updated in the system but you will not receive a new card. Mail processing takes two to three weeks.
Acceptable proof of address includes a current utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card). The document must show your name and your new address. A PO box is not accepted as a residential address.
Address Change In Person at a DPS Office
Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license and one proof of address. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The DPS office will update your address in the system when ready. If you pay the $11 fee, they will issue a replacement card on the spot with your new address printed on it.
In-person changes work even if your license is expired or you changed your name. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew rather than straightforward change your address — the office staff can do both in one visit. If you changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. No appointment is required for an address change, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
Texas DPS accepts documents that show your name and your new residential address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. A lease agreement or rental contract with your name and new address also works, even if it is not dated recently. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy works if it shows your name and address.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax returns, voter registration cards, court documents) are accepted if they show your name and address. A cell phone bill works only if it shows your residential address, not a billing address. A PO box, mailbox service, or business address is not accepted as proof of residence.
If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on company letterhead stating your name, move-in date, and new address. Some DPS offices accept this, but call ahead to confirm before you go.
Timeline and Fees for Each Method
| Method | Cost | Time to Complete | New Card Issued | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Free | Minutes | No | Current license, no name change, need address updated quickly |
| By Mail | $11 (optional; free if you skip replacement card) | 2–3 weeks | Yes (if you pay $11) | No rush, prefer not to visit office |
| In Person | $11 (optional; free if you skip replacement card) | 30 minutes average | Yes (if you pay $11) | Expired license, name change, or need new card same day |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address is updated just because you changed it online. The online system updates the DPS database, but your physical license card still shows the old address. Police and businesses may see the old address if they scan your card. If you need a card that shows your new address, pay the $11 fee to receive a replacement card by mail or in person.
Do not try to use a PO box or mailbox service as your residential address. DPS will reject it. If you are using a mailbox service temporarily, use your actual residential address on your license and update it again once you have a permanent home address.
Do not wait until your license is about to expire to change your address online. If your license expires before you submit the online form, the system will reject it. Check your expiration date first. If your license expires within six months, consider renewing at the same time to avoid a second trip.
Do not mail your original license to the DPS. Always send a photocopy. If the mail is lost, you will still have your original license and can request a duplicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?
No. The address change updates your record in the DPS system whether or not you order a replacement card. However, your physical license will still show your old address. If you want a card that reflects your new address, you must pay the $11 fee for a replacement card. This is optional.
What if my license is expired?
You cannot change your address online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew your license instead, which includes an address update. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still change your address online. If you prefer to go in person, a DPS office can update your address and renew your license in one visit.
How long does an address change take to show up in the system?
Online changes take effect when ready. By-mail changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes take effect when ready. Once your address is updated in the DPS system, it will show up when law enforcement or other agencies check your record, even if your physical card still shows the old address.
Can I change my address if I changed my name?
You cannot change your address online if you changed your name. You must visit a DPS office in person with a legal document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office can update both your name and address at the same time.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name at your new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on company letterhead with your name, move-in date, and new address. Call your local DPS office first to confirm they accept this form of proof, as policies vary by location.