You can change your Texas driver's license address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific conditions
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address online without visiting a driver's license office, but the process has limits. You can only use the online method if your current Texas driver's license is valid (not expired), you have a real ID-compliant license, and you're changing your address within Texas. If your license is expired, suspended, or you need to change your name at the same time, you'll have to visit a DPS office in person instead.
The online address change takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You won't receive a temporary license or paper proof of the change, so if you need to show a current address before the new license arrives, plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online only if your Texas driver's license is currently valid and real ID-compliant.
- The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs nothing, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired, suspended, or you're changing your name, you must visit a DPS office in person instead.
- You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online change.
What you need before you start the online process
Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll also need your new address and a way to verify it—the system may ask for a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your name and new address, though not all applicants are asked for this.
Check that your license is not expired and that it shows "REAL ID" or a star symbol in the upper right corner. If your license expired more than two years ago, the online method won't work. If you're not sure whether your license is real ID-compliant, look at the physical card or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm before you begin.
Step-by-step: changing your address online
Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Address Change" (the exact wording changes occasionally). You'll be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth.
After you log in, the system will ask you to confirm your current address and then enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and zip code—mistakes here will delay your new license or send it to the wrong place. The system will then ask you to review the information one more time before you submit. Once you submit, you'll see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot; you'll need it if you have questions about the status of your new license.
The system does not send a confirmation email, so the screenshot or written confirmation number is your only proof that you submitted the change. If you close the page without writing down the confirmation number, you can log back in to check the status of your address change using the same login information.
When the online method won't work
If your license is expired, you cannot use the online address change. You'll need to renew your license and update your address at the same time by visiting a DPS office in person or by mail. If your license is suspended or revoked, you also cannot change the address online—you must handle this in person at a DPS office.
If you're changing your name at the same time as your address (for example, after marriage or divorce), the online system will not process the request. You'll need to visit a DPS office with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address. The same applies if you need to update your gender marker or any other information on your license.
What happens after you submit your address change online
Once your submission is confirmed, the DPS processes the change and prints a new license with your updated address. This usually takes 5 to 7 business days. Your new license is then mailed to the address you provided, which adds another 2 to 3 business days depending on mail delivery in your area. In total, expect to receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days from the date you submitted the change.
You will not receive a temporary license or any paper document showing your address change. If you need proof of your new address before the license arrives—for example, to show to an employer or landlord—you can print a copy of your confirmation page from the DPS website, though not all organizations will accept this as proof. Some people choose to visit a DPS office in person instead if they need when ready proof of address.
Troubleshooting common problems with the online address change
If the system won't let you log in, make sure you're entering your driver's license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license. Some people accidentally enter their Social Security number instead of their license number. If you still can't log in after checking this, your license may be expired or suspended, which blocks online access. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm your license status.
If you submitted your address change but your new license doesn't arrive after 10 business days, log back into the DPS website and check the status using your confirmation number. If the system shows your change was processed but you still haven't received the license, the mail may be delayed. Wait another week before contacting the DPS. If you moved to a new address and the license was sent to your old address by mistake, contact the DPS when ready so they can reissue it to the correct address.
Alternatives if you can't use the online method
If your license is expired or you need to change other information at the same time, you can renew and update your address by mail. read the DL-44 form from the DPS website, fill it out with your new address, and mail it along with your current license and proof of your new address to the address listed on the form. This takes 4 to 6 weeks.
You can also visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of residency if required. The office will process your address change on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is printed and mailed. This is the fastest option if you need proof of your new address right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address online?
No, changing your address online is free. You only pay a fee if you're renewing your license at the same time, which costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
Can I change my address if my license expires in the next month?
Yes, as long as your license is not yet expired, you can change your address online. However, if your license will expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time. You'll have to do this in person or by mail, since the online system only handles address changes on valid licenses.
What if I moved out of state?
You cannot change your Texas address online if you've moved to another state. You'll need to get a driver's license in your new state. If you want to keep your Texas license as a second ID, you can visit a DPS office to update your address to a Texas address (such as a family member's home) before you leave.
Will my new license have a different number?
No, your driver's license number stays the same when you change your address. Only the address section of the card is updated. Your new license will look the same except for the address printed on it.
Can I check the status of my new license after I submit the address change?
Yes, log back into the DPS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, and you'll see the status of your address change. The system will tell you whether it's been processed and when your new license was mailed.