Where to Change Your Address in Houston
In Houston, you can change your driver's license address at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. The main Houston locations are the Downtown Houston office at 1919 Smith Street and the North Houston office at 9225 Katy Freeway. You can also use any DPS office in the greater Houston area or anywhere in Texas — the change takes effect statewide once processed.
You do not have to visit the office where you originally got your license. The fastest route is usually the location closest to your home or workplace, since processing times are similar across all Houston offices. If you prefer not to visit in person, Texas also offers online address changes through the DPS website, which is the quickest method for most people.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready after you submit it.
- If you change your address in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of residency if your name does not match the address document.
- An in-person address change at a Houston DPS office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing.
- Your new address appears on your license the same day if you change it online, or within one business day if you change it in person.
- You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address — it is a separate transaction from renewal.
Online Address Change Through the DPS Website
The online method is the fastest and most convenient option for Houston residents. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to enter your new address and confirm it. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or personal history.
Once you submit the change online, it takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS system records your new address. When you renew your license later, the new address will print on the replacement card. There is no fee for an online address change.
The online system is available 24 hours a day. If you cannot log in or the security questions do not work, you will need to visit a DPS office in person instead.
In-Person Address Change at a Houston DPS Office
To change your address in person, visit any DPS Driver License office in Houston with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.
Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photograph or photocopy alone is not sufficient. If your name on the address document does not match your license (for example, if you recently married or changed your name), bring a second document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Walk in during office hours — no appointment is required for an address change. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out a form, show your documents, and the clerk will update your record. There is no fee. Your new address takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though the physical card you carry still shows the old address until you renew.
What Documents You Need
| Document Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current Texas driver's license | Yes | Must be valid or expired no more than two years |
| Proof of new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, insurance) | Yes | Must be dated within 60 days and show your name and address |
| Name change document (if applicable) | If name on address document differs from license | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
| Social Security card or number | No | Not needed for address change only |
| Proof of citizenship or residency | No | Not needed for address change only |
Houston DPS Office Hours and Locations
The Downtown Houston DPS office at 1919 Smith Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The North Houston office at 9225 Katy Freeway is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed weekends. Both offices close on state holidays.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines. You can check current wait times on the DPS website before you go. If you cannot visit during regular hours, the online method is your best option.
Timeline and When Your New Address Takes Effect
If you change your address online, the update is active when ready after you submit it. Your driver's license number and record in the DPS system now show your new address, even though the physical card in your wallet still prints the old one.
If you change your address in person at a Houston DPS office, the update takes effect the same day or within one business day. You do not receive a new card — you keep your current license. The new address will print on your next license renewal, which happens every five or eight years depending on your age.
Insurance companies, voter registration, and other agencies do not automatically receive your new address from the DPS. You must notify them separately if they need the update.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your physical license card will be reprinted with the new address. It will not. Your card remains valid with the old address printed on it. The DPS system has your new address on file, but the card itself does not change until you renew your full license.
Do not bring a photograph or photocopy of your proof of address. The DPS office must see the original document or a certified copy. A utility bill printout from an online account usually works, but a screenshot does not.
Do not wait until your license expires to change your address if you need the new address to appear on your card. If you need a card with your current address printed on it, you must renew your license at the same time, which costs $16 for a five-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. An address change alone is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I just moved within Houston?
Yes. Even if you moved within the same city, you must update your address with the DPS. Your license address must match where you actually live. Driving with an outdated address can result in a ticket in some situations, though it is not typically enforced unless you are stopped for another reason.
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
No. The online system requires a valid or recently expired license (expired no more than two years). If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it in person at a DPS office. You can change your address as part of the renewal process.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name?
You can use other documents such as a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or bank statement showing your name and new address, dated within 60 days. If none of these are available, contact the Houston DPS office to ask about alternative documents they may accept.
Will my insurance company know about my address change?
No. The DPS does not share address changes with insurance companies. You must contact your insurance provider separately and give them your new address. Failing to update your insurance address can affect your coverage or claims.
How long does it take to change my address if I go in person?
The transaction itself takes 15 to 30 minutes at the counter. Total time at the office depends on how many people are ahead of you. Early morning visits and mid-week days typically have shorter waits. The online method takes about five minutes from start to finish.