The fastest way to change your address on a Texas driver license

You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver license office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you need to update other information at the same time, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

Texas does not require you to update your driver license address by a specific important date, but doing it promptly matters if you are moving. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and the courts use your license address to contact you. If you receive a traffic ticket or insurance notice at an old address, you may miss important important date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online at the Texas DPS website if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • The online change costs nothing and takes about 10 minutes; no office visit or appointment is needed.
  • If your license is expired or your name has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of residency.
  • Your new address will appear on your license when ready online, but the physical card in your wallet will still show the old address until you renew.
  • Proof of residency for an in-person visit can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Change Address" under the driver license section. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Create or log into your DPS account if you do not already have one.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency — the system is strict about matching. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in the DPS database. Your driving record and insurance company will see the new address within one business day. You do not need to carry any documents or visit an office.

The physical driver license card in your wallet will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause problems with law enforcement or insurance. When you renew — whether online, by mail, or in person — you will receive a card with the updated address.

When you must visit a DPS office in person

If your driver license is expired, you cannot use the online process. You will need to renew your license at a DPS office and update your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

If your name has changed since you got your current license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must visit an office in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.

If you need to change your address and renew your license at the same time for any other reason, you can do both in one office visit. The fee for renewal is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.

What counts as proof of residency

The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a vehicle registration or insurance declaration page.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy is not accepted at an office visit. If you are changing your address online, you do not need to upload or show proof; the system trusts that you are entering your correct address.

If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet (for example, you just moved and utilities have not been transferred), bring two documents showing your old address plus a lease or signed statement from your landlord showing your new address and move-in date.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment

Visit dps.texas.gov/driver-license/locations to find the DPS office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the same website. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but appointment wait times are usually shorter.

If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays.

Bring your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If your name has changed, also bring the certified document showing the change. Have your documents ready before you reach the counter — staff will not search through your wallet or bag.

What happens after you change your address

If you changed your address online, the DPS database updates when ready. Your insurance company, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and law enforcement agencies can see the new address within one business day. You do not need to notify them separately, though it is a good idea to update your address with your insurance company directly to make sure their records match.

If you changed your address at a DPS office, you will receive a new physical license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The card will show your new address. Until it arrives, your old card is still valid for driving and identification purposes.

If you moved out of state or to a different country, you will need to surrender your Texas license and get a license in your new location. Texas does not allow you to hold a valid license if you are no longer a resident of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online process. You must visit a DPS office in person to renew your license and update your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Will my insurance rates change if I update my address?

Your rates may change depending on where you are moving. Insurance premiums are based partly on location, so moving to a different city or county can raise or lower your rate. Contact your insurance company to update your address and ask for a new quote.

How long does it take to receive a new license card with my updated address?

If you changed your address online, your old card remains valid and you do not receive a new one until you renew your license. If you changed your address at a DPS office, the new card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Bring two documents showing your old address plus a signed lease, rental agreement, or letter from your landlord showing your new address and move-in date. The DPS will accept this combination as proof of your current residency.

Do I need to update my address with my insurance company if I change it with the DPS?

The DPS will update your address in state records, but your insurance company may not see the change when ready. It is safer to contact your insurance company directly and provide your new address to may support their records are current and your policy stays active.