What You Need to Do to Update Your Address in Texas
To change your address on a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person. Texas does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring proof of your new address and your current license, then complete a form at the office. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and there is no fee for an address-only change.
The key difference between Texas and many other states is that Texas requires you to appear in person even for a straightforward address update. This is true whether your license is still valid or expired. If your license is expired, you can renew it and change your address in the same visit, but that will cost the renewal fee rather than being free.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DPS driver license office in person; there is no online, mail, or phone option for address changes in Texas.
- Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- An address-only change is free and takes 15 to 30 minutes; you will receive your updated license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired, you can renew and change your address at the same time, but you will pay the renewal fee instead of the address-change fee.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as DPS will verify your identity against state records.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
You need two things: your current Texas driver's license and one document proving your new address. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill.
You will also need to prove your identity and Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that displays your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot bring a document showing the number, you can sign an affidavit at the office, but this takes longer. DPS will verify your Social Security number against federal records before issuing your new license.
Do not bring originals of important documents like your Social Security card unless you are comfortable leaving them with DPS. A photocopy of your utility bill or lease is acceptable. However, your current driver's license must be the original, as DPS will need to see the physical card.
Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You
Texas has over 130 DPS driver license offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Texas DPS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). The website shows office hours, which vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours.
Wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. Urban offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio typically have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If possible, visit early in the morning on a weekday. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DPS website; check whether your local office offers this before you go.
If you cannot reach your nearest office by car, you can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas, not just the one in your county. Some people find it faster to drive to a less busy office in a nearby town than to wait at a crowded urban location.
What Happens at the DPS Office
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you want to change your address. The clerk will ask you to complete a form (DL-43 or similar, depending on whether you are renewing at the same time). This form asks for your current address, new address, and other basic information.
The clerk will scan your current license, verify your Social Security number, and check your identity against DPS records. They will also verify your address document. Once everything checks out, they will take a new photo of you (unless your current photo is less than five years old and you choose to keep it). You will sign the form, and the clerk will tell you when to expect your new license in the mail.
Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your old address is no longer valid, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, though this is not standard practice and availability varies.
Cost and Timeline for Address Changes
An address-only change costs nothing. You pay zero dollars. This applies whether your license is valid or expired, as long as you are not renewing it at the same time. The only cost is your time and transportation to the office.
If your license is expired and you want to renew it while changing your address, you will pay the renewal fee. A standard five-year renewal in Texas costs $33. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs more. You can renew and change your address in the same visit, and both will be processed together.
The timeline is straightforward: the office visit takes 15 to 30 minutes (not counting wait time), and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is no rush option or expedited mail in Texas. If you need your license sooner, you must return to a DPS office and request an interim license, though this is rarely done for address changes alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing the wrong address document. Remember: it must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new address. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. A document with only your name or only your address will not work. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the DPS office before you go.
Another mistake is forgetting to bring your Social Security number or proof of it. Without it, you will have to sign an affidavit at the office, which delays the process. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing the number.
Do not assume you can change your address online or by mail. Texas does not offer these options. If you see a website claiming to offer online address changes for Texas licenses, it is not affiliated with DPS. The only way to change your address is to visit a DPS office in person.
Finally, do not wait until your license expires to change your address. You can change your address at any time while your license is valid. If you wait until it is expired, you will have to pay the renewal fee on top of the address change, even though the address change itself is free.
What to Do If You Have Already Moved and Your License Still Shows Your Old Address
If you have already moved but have not yet updated your license, you can still change your address at any DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (dated within the last 60 days). The process is the same as described above. There is no penalty for updating your address late, and you do not need to explain why you are just now changing it.
However, if you are stopped by law enforcement and your license shows an old address, the officer may ask why. You can explain that you have recently moved and have an appointment to update it, or that you are on your way to do so. This is not a violation, but it is a good reason to update your address sooner rather than later.
If you have moved out of state and no longer live in Texas, you should not update your Texas license. Instead, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Texas will not issue a license to someone who does not live in Texas, so if you have moved permanently, contact your new state's DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail in Texas?
No. Texas requires you to change your address in person at a DPS driver license office. There is no online portal, mail-in form, or phone option. You must visit an office with your current license and proof of your new address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. There is no expedited mail option in Texas.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
No, an address-only change is free. You pay nothing. If you renew your license at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee ($33 for a standard license), but the address change itself has no separate cost.
What if my address document is older than 60 days?
DPS will not accept it. You will need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. If you do not have one, you can obtain a new utility bill, lease, or bank statement before you visit the office.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes, but if you want to change your address on an expired license, you must renew it at the same time. You cannot change the address on an expired license without renewing. You will pay the renewal fee, not just an address-change fee.