The fastest way to change your address in Texas
You can change your address on a Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is the quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you do not need a replacement card. If you change your address online, your current license remains valid; the DPS records the new address in their system, and you do not receive a physical card with the updated address unless you request one.
If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you must either go to a DPS office in person or mail in a form. A replacement card costs $16 and takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive by mail, or you can get it the same day at an office. The address change itself is free; you only pay if you want the new card.
Texas does not require you to update your driver's license address within a specific number of days, but your address on file with DPS should match where you actually live. If you move and do not update it, you may have problems with traffic stops, vehicle registration, or mail from DPS.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online for free at the Texas DPS website without getting a new card printed.
- A replacement card with your new address costs $16 and takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail or can be issued same-day at a DPS office.
- Online address changes require your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
- If you go to a DPS office, bring your current license, proof of your new address, and payment if you want a replacement card.
- Texas has no important date to update your address, but doing so prevents problems with law enforcement and vehicle registration.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using these details and then ask you to enter your new address.
After you submit the change, the DPS updates their records when ready. You will receive a confirmation email or letter depending on how you set up your account. Your current physical license remains valid and legal to use; the address change is recorded in the state system even though your card still shows the old address. This method is free and takes about 10 minutes.
If you later want a replacement card printed with the new address, you can request one through the same online portal for $16, or you can go to a DPS office and pay in person. The replacement card will arrive in 1 to 2 weeks if you order it online.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. You do not need an appointment in most locations, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. If you only want to update the address in the system without a new card, there is no fee. If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, the fee is $16, and you will receive it when ready. The clerk will take a new photo if you request a replacement card.
The in-person method is useful if you want the new card right away or if you are uncomfortable using the online system. It also gives you a chance to handle other license matters at the same time, such as correcting your name or updating your organ donor status.
Changing your address by mail
read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form with your current information and your new address. You do not need to complete every field — you only need to provide your driver's license number, your new address, and your signature.
Include one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Include a check or money order for $16 if you want a replacement card; if you only want the address changed in the system, do not include payment.
Processing by mail takes 1 to 2 weeks for a replacement card and about the same time for an address-only change. You will receive a confirmation letter and, if you paid for a replacement card, the new card will arrive separately. Keep the confirmation letter as proof that you requested the change.
What documents prove your new address
Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government document such as a voter registration card or tax return.
The document must show your full name and the complete address you are claiming. A cell phone bill or a document with only a P.O. box does not count. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.
Fees and timelines for Texas address changes
| Method | Cost | Timeline | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online address change only | Free | when ready | Address updated in DPS system; no new card |
| Online with replacement card | $16 | 1–2 weeks | New card mailed to you |
| In-person address change only | Free | Same day | Address updated; no new card |
| In-person with replacement card | $16 | Same day | New card issued on the spot |
| Mail address change only | Free | 1–2 weeks | Confirmation letter; no new card |
| Mail with replacement card | $16 | 1–2 weeks | New card mailed to you |
Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address
Do not assume your vehicle registration address updates automatically when you change your driver's license address. Vehicle registration is handled separately by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you must update it through their system or at a county tax assessor's office. Failing to update your vehicle registration can result in fines or problems during a traffic stop.
Do not submit a document older than 60 days as proof of address, even if it is otherwise valid. The DPS strictly enforces the 60-day rule to prevent fraud. If your document is older, request a new one from the issuer or use a different document.
Do not forget to sign the form if you are mailing in your request. An unsigned form will be returned to you. If you are changing your address online, make sure you enter it exactly as it appears on your proof-of-address document, including apartment numbers, directional abbreviations, and spelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card if I change my address?
No. You can change your address in the DPS system for free without getting a new card. Your current license remains valid and legal. However, the card will still show your old address. If you want a card that reflects your new address, you must pay $16 for a replacement.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online address change is processed when ready. Your address is updated in the DPS system as soon as you submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email or letter within a few days. If you order a replacement card online, that card takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive.
What if I do not have a document that shows my new address?
Contact your utility company, landlord, or bank and ask them to issue a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. This letter counts as proof of address as long as it shows your name and full address. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a bill or statement at your new address and use that.
Can I change my address at any DPS office, or do I have to go to the one in my county?
You can go to any DPS Driver License office in Texas. You do not have to use the office in your county. However, some offices are busier than others, so you may have a shorter wait at an office outside your when ready area.
What happens if I move and do not update my address?
Your license remains valid, but your address on file with DPS will not match where you live. This can cause problems during traffic stops, when renewing your vehicle registration, or if DPS needs to contact you. It may also affect your ability to vote if your voter registration address does not match your driver's license address.