What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Texas
To change the address on your 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 your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and there is no fee for an address change alone.
The address change itself does not require you to renew your license or take a new photo. Your existing license remains valid; only the address printed on it will be updated. If your license is expiring within the next 60 days, the DPS may ask whether you want to renew it at the same time, but you can decline and change only the address.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DPS driver license office in person; there is no mail, phone, or online option for address changes in Texas.
- Bring your current license, one document proving your new address, and one document proving your identity.
- The address change is free and takes about 15 minutes; you do not need a new photo or to renew your license.
- If you have moved out of state or your license is suspended or expired, different rules explore and you may need to renew instead.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
You need three categories of documents: your current Texas driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Your current license serves as both your identity document and proof that you hold a valid Texas license. Do not assume you can use an expired license for an address change; it must be valid.
For proof of your new address, the DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. A post office change of address form does not count as proof of residence. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed statement from that person confirming you live there, along with the address document.
For proof of identity, you can use your current Texas driver's license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. If you are bringing your current license as your identity document, you still need a separate document for proof of address.
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 DPS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). The locator shows office hours, which vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours.
Wait times vary significantly by office and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in major cities. If possible, visit early in the week and early in the day. Some offices allow you to check current wait times online before you go. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but some offices offer optional appointment scheduling through their website.
What Happens at the DPS Office
When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. You will then meet with a DPS employee who will review your documents. They will verify that your current license is valid, that your address document is dated within 90 days, and that your identity document is acceptable. If everything is in order, they will ask you to confirm your new address and may ask why you moved.
The employee will then update your address in the DPS system and print a new license with your updated address. This new license will have the same license number, expiration date, and restrictions as your old one. You will receive your new license when ready and can discard your old one. Keep your new license in a safe place; you cannot order a replacement by mail if it is lost or damaged.
Special Situations and Exceptions
If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot change your address on your Texas license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Your Texas license remains valid for identification purposes until it expires, but you cannot legally drive in another state on a Texas license if you are now a resident there.
If your Texas license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot change the address alone. You must renew or reinstate your license first, which requires additional steps and documents. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still change the address, but the DPS may encourage you to renew at the same time.
If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change only the address if your name on the license does not match your current legal name.
Timeline and When Your New License Arrives
You receive your new license with the updated address when ready when you leave the DPS office. There is no waiting period. The address change takes effect the moment the new license is printed. You can use your new license for identification and driving right away.
If you need your address changed for a specific important date—such as vehicle registration renewal or a court appearance—plan to visit the DPS office at least a few days before that important date. This gives you time to handle any unexpected issues, such as missing documents or longer-than-expected wait times.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing an expired license. Your current license must be valid to change the address. If your license expired, you must renew it instead of straightforward changing the address. Another frequent error is bringing an address document dated more than 90 days ago. The DPS strictly enforces this timeline; a utility bill from four months ago will not be accepted.
Do not assume a post office change of address form counts as proof of residence. It does not. You must bring an actual utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or similar document. Also, do not bring a photocopy of your documents unless the DPS specifically asks for one. Bring originals or certified copies.
If you live with someone else and the address document is in their name, do not forget the signed statement from that person. Without it, the DPS will not accept the document as proof that you live at that address. Finally, do not plan to change your address by mail or phone; Texas does not offer these options, and you will waste time trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail?
No. Texas requires all address changes to be done in person at a DPS driver license office. There is no online or mail option. You must visit an office with your documents.
Do I need to take a new photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo. Your existing photo from your current license will be used on your new license. The only change is the address.
What if my address document is in someone else's name?
You can use it if you bring a signed statement from that person confirming you live at that address. The statement should include the address and be signed and dated. Bring both the address document and the signed statement to the DPS office.
How long does it take to change my address at the DPS office?
The actual process takes about 15 minutes once you meet with a DPS employee. However, wait times before you are called vary by office and time of day. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour total, depending on how busy the office is.
What if I moved out of state?
You cannot change the address on your Texas license if you are now a resident of another state. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Your Texas license remains valid for identification but not for legal driving in your new state.