How to change your address in Texas
You can change your address on your Texas driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The online method is fastest — you can update it in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. If you prefer in-person or mail, both take longer but work if you do not have internet access or want to handle other license business at the same time.
Texas does not require you to get a new physical card when you change your address. Your current license remains valid; the address change is recorded in the DPS system. You will receive a new card in the mail only if you request one or if your license is expiring soon anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Texas DPS website take effect when ready and require only your driver license number, last name, and date of birth.
- You do not receive a new physical card unless you request one, so your current license stays valid with the old address printed on it until it expires.
- In-person changes at a DPS office take a few minutes and let you request a replacement card on the spot if you want the new address printed.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form and proof of residency, and processing takes two to three weeks.
- A name change, address outside Texas, or license suspension requires in-person service at a DPS office.
Changing your address online
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online address change option. You will need your driver license number, last name, and date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once submitted, the change is recorded in the DPS database right away.
Online changes work only if your license is valid and not suspended. If your address is outside Texas, you cannot use the online system — you must go to a DPS office in person. The same applies if you have a commercial driver license (CDL).
After you change your address online, your old license card remains valid. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address in the system even though the card still shows the old one. If you want a new card printed with your current address, you can request one at a DPS office or by mail for a small fee.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Bring your current driver license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. The DPS office will update your address on the spot, usually in a few minutes.
At the same visit, you can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it. There is a fee for the replacement card, which varies but is typically under $20. If you do not request a replacement, your current card remains valid and your address is updated in the system only.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use a ticket system. Check your local office's website before you go.
Changing your address by mail
read and print the address change form from the Texas DPS website, or request one by phone. Fill it out completely with your current license number, name, and new address. Include one document that proves your new address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 90 days).
Mail the form and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a new card unless you pay the replacement fee and request one on the form. If you do not request a replacement, your address will be updated in the system and your current card remains valid.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within three weeks, contact the DPS to confirm receipt.
When you must go to a DPS office in person
Some situations require an in-person visit. If you changed your name since your license was issued, you must go to an office and bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If your new address is outside Texas, you also must visit in person — the online system and mail option do not work for out-of-state moves.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail methods. You must go to a DPS office. The same applies if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL) or a hazmat endorsement.
What happens to your old license card
Your current license card does not expire just because you changed your address. It remains valid for its full term, even though the address printed on it is no longer correct. Police, banks, and other agencies can see your updated address in the DPS system, so the old card will not cause problems.
If you want a new card with your current address printed on it, you can request one in person at a DPS office or by mail. There is a fee, usually under $20. A replacement card is optional — many people keep their old card until it expires and straightforward update the address in the system.
Address changes and insurance, voting, and vehicle registration
Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance. You must contact your insurance company separately and provide your new address. Most insurers let you update it online, by phone, or through their app. Your insurance company may adjust your rate based on your new location, so update it as soon as you move.
For vehicle registration, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or renew your registration online if it is not yet expired. You can update your address at the same time. If your registration is expired, you must renew it in person or by mail.
To update your voter registration address, go to the Texas Secretary of State website or contact your county voter registrar. Updating your driver license address does not change your voter registration automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new driver license card when I change my address?
No, not automatically. Your current card remains valid even though it shows your old address. The DPS updates your address in the system, and that is what law enforcement and other agencies see. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one for a fee at a DPS office or by mail.
How long does an address change take?
Online changes take effect when ready. In-person changes at a DPS office take a few minutes. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your form and proof of residency.
What counts as proof of my new address?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work. The document must show your name and new address. Some DPS offices accept other documents — call ahead if you are unsure.
Can I change my address online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you must go to a DPS office in person to change your address. Bring your current license and proof of your new address.
Does changing my driver license address update my vehicle registration?
No. You must contact the Texas DMV separately to update your vehicle registration address. You can do this online if your registration has not expired, or by mail or in person if it has.