What You Pay to Change Your Address on a Texas License

Changing your address on a Texas driver's license costs $0 if you do it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. If you change it in person at a DPS office, there is also no fee. The only exception is if you need to renew your license at the same time you change your address — then you pay the renewal fee, which is $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license.

Texas does not charge a separate fee for an address change alone. You do not need to order a new physical card unless your license is expiring soon or you want one mailed to your new address. If you change your address online, your license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires; the DPS system updates your record internally.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes on a Texas driver's license are free whether you do them online or in person at a DPS office.
  • You only pay a fee if you renew your license at the same time, which costs $25 for four years or $50 for eight years.
  • Changing your address online through the DPS website takes about five minutes and does not require a new card to be mailed.
  • If you change your address in person, bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • Your old license remains valid for identification even after you change your address in the system.

How to Change Your Address Online (No Fee)

The fastest and cheapest way to change your address is through the Texas DPS online portal. Go to the DPS website, select "Change Address Online," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to provide your new address and confirm your identity. The system updates your record when ready, and you receive a confirmation email.

Your physical license card will still show your old address until it expires. If you need a new card with your current address printed on it before your renewal date, you must go to a DPS office in person and pay the renewal fee. Most people do not do this — the address on file in the system is what matters for official purposes like vehicle registration and mail forwarding.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DPS Office

If you prefer to change your address face-to-face or do not have online access, visit any Texas DPS office. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.

The DPS employee will update your record on the spot at no cost. You will receive a paper confirmation, and your license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a new card mailed to your new address, you must pay the renewal fee ($25 or $50 depending on the license term you choose). Without renewal, the address change is free.

When You Pay the Renewal Fee Instead

You pay a renewal fee only if you choose to renew your license at the time you change your address. A four-year renewal costs $25; an eight-year renewal costs $50. This is the standard renewal fee, not an address-change fee. You might choose to renew early if your license expires within the next year or two and you want a new card with your current address printed on it.

If your license does not expire for several years, there is no reason to pay for renewal just to change your address. The free online or in-person address change is sufficient. Your record in the DPS system will reflect your new address for all official purposes, even though the physical card shows the old one.

Documents You Need for an In-Person Address Change

Bring your current Texas driver's license and one proof of residency. The proof must show your name, your new address, and be dated within 90 days of your visit. The DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank statements, insurance documents, and government correspondence.

Do not bring expired documents or documents that show only a P.O. box. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, contact the DPS office ahead of time to ask what alternatives they accept — some offices have flexibility for people in transition, such as a signed letter from a landlord or a utility company account confirmation.

Processing Time and When Your Change Takes Effect

If you change your address online, the update is when ready. Your record in the DPS system reflects the new address right away, even though your physical license card still shows the old one. You can use this updated address for vehicle registration, insurance, and other official purposes.

If you change your address in person at a DPS office, the update is also when ready. You will receive a paper confirmation slip showing the change. If you paid for a renewal at the same time, the new card is mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you did not renew, no new card is sent — your address change exists only in the system.

Address Changes and Vehicle Registration

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately if your vehicle registration is in your name. You can update your vehicle registration address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office. There is no fee for a registration address change.

If you receive a vehicle registration renewal notice at your old address after you have moved, forward it to your new address or update your registration address when ready. Failing to update your registration can result in missed renewal notices and potential penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new license card if I change my address?

No. You can change your address for free online or in person without getting a new card. Your old license remains valid for identification. A new card is only mailed if you pay the renewal fee, which is optional.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. You must have a valid, unexpired license to use the online address change tool. If your license is expired, you must renew it first. Visit a DPS office in person with your expired license and proof of residency to renew and change your address at the same time.

What if I do not have a document dated within the last 90 days at my new address?

Call the DPS office you plan to visit and explain your situation. Some offices accept alternative documents for people who recently moved, such as a signed letter from a landlord, a utility company account confirmation, or a lease agreement. Having a conversation ahead of time prevents a wasted trip.

Does changing my address on my license affect my vehicle insurance?

No. Your driver's license address and your insurance policy address are separate. Contact your insurance company directly to update your address on your policy. Some insurers update automatically when they receive your new license information, but do not assume — confirm with them.

How long does it take to change my address if I do it in person?

An in-person address change at a DPS office typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Online changes take about five minutes. If you are renewing your license at the same time, the visit may take longer because you will also have your photo taken and answer renewal questions.