Where to go in Houston to change your driver license address

In Houston, you can change your address at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office. The main office is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092, but DPS operates multiple locations across the Houston area, including offices in Katy, Pearland, and The Woodlands. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm the office is open and to get a sense of current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than late afternoon or Saturdays.

What documents you need to bring

You will need to bring your current Texas driver license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document must show your name and the address you want on your license, and it should be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, other acceptable documents include a property tax bill, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead with your name and address. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photocopy alone will not work.

The cost and how long it takes

Changing your address on a Texas driver license is free. There is no fee, and you do not need to renew your license or get a new one unless your license is expiring soon or you want to update your photo.

The address change itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to see a clerk can range from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. The new address appears on your license when ready, and you receive a temporary paper document confirming the change while the updated physical license is mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address at any DPS driver license office in the Houston area without an appointment, though wait times vary.
  • Bring your current Texas driver license and a recent document showing your name and new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The address change is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, though you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour to see a clerk.
  • You receive a temporary paper confirmation when ready and your updated physical license by mail within one to two weeks.

What happens if you move but do not update your license

If you move and do not change your address on your driver license, you may face problems with traffic stops, insurance claims, and official mail. Police officers may question why your license address does not match where you are living, and some may cite it as a secondary offense in certain situations. More importantly, if you are in an accident, your insurance company may deny a claim if they discover your address was not current on your license.

Texas law does not set a specific important date for updating your address, but the longer you wait, the more likely you are to run into complications. It is best to update your address within 30 days of moving.

Changing your address online or by mail

Texas does not offer online address changes for driver licenses. You must do it in person at a DPS office. However, if you are unable to visit an office in Houston, you can change your address by mail by sending a completed DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) along with proof of your new address to the DPS address on the form. This process takes longer—typically two to three weeks—and you will not receive a temporary confirmation document.

Mailing in your change is slower and riskier because there is no way to confirm receipt or track the status. If you have the option to visit a DPS office in person, that is the faster and more reliable route.

Address changes for commercial driver licenses (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver license, the process is the same as for a regular driver license. You go to a DPS office with your current CDL and proof of your new address, and the change is made for free. The address change does not affect your CDL status or endorsements—it only updates where the state has on file for you.

If your CDL is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address, since you will already be at the DPS office. Renewal costs explore if you choose to do that, but the address change itself remains 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 should update your address on your driver license to match where you are currently living. This applies whether you moved across town or to a different neighborhood.

What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?

DPS prefers documents dated within 60 days, but you may be able to use an older document if it is the only one you have. Call the DPS office ahead of time to ask whether they will accept it. Bringing a second document—even if it is slightly older—can help strengthen your case.

Can I change my address when I renew my license?

Yes. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your address at the same time. You will pay the renewal fee (around $25 for a regular license), but the address change itself is still free. This is often faster than making two separate trips.

How long does it take to receive my updated license in the mail?

Your updated physical license typically arrives within one to two weeks after you change your address at the DPS office. You receive a temporary paper confirmation when ready that you can use as proof of your new address until the physical license arrives.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

If you have moved out of Texas, you should get a driver license from your new state rather than trying to update your Texas address. Texas will not issue a license to someone who does not live in the state. Contact your new state's DMV to begin the process of getting a license there.