You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website in about 10 minutes

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without visiting a DPS office, as long as your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements. The online process is called the Address Change Service, and it costs nothing. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Once you submit the change, it takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical card won't change until you renew it.

The address change is separate from renewing your license. You keep your current card and expiration date — this just updates where the state has on file for you. That matters because the address on your license is what law enforcement sees during a traffic stop, and it's what the state uses to mail you renewal notices and other documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS Address Change Service is free and takes about 10 minutes to complete online at the official DPS website.
  • You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to make the change.
  • Your address updates in the system right away, but your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew it.
  • If your license has expired or you don't have internet access, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person instead.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to the DPS website. You'll enter them during the process, and you won't be able to proceed without them. Your driver's license number is the eight-digit number on the front of your card. Your Social Security number — specifically the last four digits — is used to verify your identity. Have your new address ready to type in, including the street, city, state, and ZIP code.

You'll also need a valid email address where you can receive a confirmation. The state sends you an email after the change goes through, so use an email you check regularly. If you don't have an email address, you'll need to set one up first or visit a DPS office to change your address in person.

Your license must still be valid — not expired — to use the online service. If your license has expired, you cannot change the address online; you'll have to renew it at a DPS office and update the address at the same time.

Step-by-step: how to change your address online

Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Address Change" link. It's usually in the driver's license section. Click on it to start the Address Change Service. You'll be taken to a form where you enter your information.

Fill in your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. Double-check the address before you submit — misspellings or wrong ZIP codes can cause mail to go to the wrong place. Read through the information one more time to make sure everything is correct.

Click the submit button. The system will confirm that your information matches what's in the DPS database. If it does, you'll see a confirmation message on the screen, and an email will be sent to the address you provided. Save or print this confirmation for your records. The address change takes effect when ready in the state's system.

What happens after you submit the change

Your new address is active in the Texas DPS system right away. If you get pulled over or a police officer runs your license, they'll see your updated address. The state will use your new address to send you renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, and any other official mail.

Your physical driver's license card still shows your old address until you renew it. You don't need to do anything about this — it's normal. When your license expires and you renew it, you'll receive a new card with the correct address printed on it. Until then, your card and the state's records won't match, but that's not a problem.

When you cannot use the online service

The online Address Change Service only works if your license is currently valid. If your license has expired, you cannot change the address online. You'll need to renew your license at a DPS office and update your address at the same time. You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago, but you cannot change the address through that process — you have to do both in person.

If you don't have internet access or don't feel comfortable entering your information online, you can visit any DPS office in Texas to change your address. Bring your driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and new address), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. There's no fee, and the process takes a few minutes.

Proof of address: what the DPS accepts

If you change your address in person at a DPS office, you'll need to show proof of your new address. The state accepts documents that show your name and the address you're moving to. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. The document should be recent — usually from the last 60 days — and it should clearly show your full name and complete address.

When you change your address online, you don't have to show proof at that moment. However, the DPS may contact you later to verify the address, especially if it's very different from your previous one or if there's any question about the change. If they do, they'll ask you to provide one of these documents. Having one ready is a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the address change to show up?

The change is active in the DPS system when ready after you submit it online. You'll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your physical license card won't change until you renew it, which could be years away, but the state's records are updated right away.

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine. It's easier to change it online now than to deal with a ticket later, and it only takes 10 minutes.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. The online service only works for valid licenses. If your license is suspended or revoked, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person. The staff there can tell you whether an address change is possible given your license status.

What if I enter the wrong address by mistake?

You can change it again right away. Go back to the DPS website, use the Address Change Service a second time, and enter the correct address. There's no limit to how many times you can use the service, and it's free each time.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration are separate. Changing one does not change the other. If you want to update your vehicle registration address, you'll need to do that through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or at a local county tax assessor's office.