Where to Change Your Address in Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's license address changes. You have three main routes: visit a DPS driver license office in person, use the online system if you meet certain conditions, or mail in a change-of-address form. The fastest option for most people is an in-person visit, which takes about 15 minutes and requires no appointment at most locations.

Texas does not allow you to change your address by phone or through a third party. You must either go to a DPS office yourself, use the online portal with your current license number and other identifying information, or submit the official form by mail. Which route works best depends on whether you have internet access, how soon you need the change processed, and whether your license is still valid.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • In-person visits to any DPS driver license office take about 15 minutes, require no appointment, and are processed when ready.
  • Mailing a completed change-of-address form to the DPS takes two to three weeks and requires a photocopy of your current license.
  • Your new address appears on your license when ready if you change it online or in person; a mailed form generates a new license that arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You do not need to pay a fee to change your address on an active license.

Changing Your Address Online

The Texas DPS online address-change system is the fastest option if your license is current and you have the required information. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

Visit the Texas DPS website and select the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. Enter your information exactly as it appears on your license, then provide your new address. The system will confirm the change when ready, and your address updates in the DPS database right away. You do not receive a new physical license card unless you request one, but your record is updated and law enforcement can see the new address.

You cannot use the online system if your license has expired, if you have an out-of-state license, or if you are changing the address on a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you will need to visit an office or mail in a form.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DPS Office

Walking into a DPS driver license office is straightforward and requires no appointment. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. The office staff will update your record on the spot.

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a printed confirmation showing your new address, and your license is updated when ready in the DPS system. If you want a new physical license card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at the same visit, though this is optional and may involve a small fee depending on your license type.

To find the DPS office nearest you, use the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask about wait times, as some locations are busier than others.

Mailing in a Change-of-Address Form

If you cannot visit an office or use the online system, you can mail a completed form to the DPS. read the "Change of Address" form from the Texas DPS website or request one by phone. You will need to include a photocopy of your current driver's license and proof of your new address (the same documents accepted in person).

Mail the form and documents to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by region. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. The DPS will send you a new license card by mail with your updated address printed on it, arriving within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your envelope is lost in transit, you will have proof of what you sent. There is no fee for a standard address change, but if you request an expedited license card, additional charges may explore.

What Happens to Your Old License

Your old license remains valid for identification purposes even after you change your address. You do not have to destroy it or turn it in. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement, they will see your updated address in the DPS system, so having the old card with the outdated address will not cause problems.

If you want a new physical license card with the new address printed on it, you can request one during an in-person visit or note the request on a mailed form. Some people prefer to keep the old card and straightforward update the address in the system, while others want the new card for clarity. Either approach is acceptable.

Timeline and What to Expect

The speed of your address change depends on which method you choose. Online changes are when ready. In-person visits update your record when ready, though a new physical card arrives by mail if you request one. Mailed forms take two to three weeks for processing, then another 7 to 10 business days for the new card to arrive, meaning the full process can take up to a month.

If you need proof of your address change before a new card arrives, the in-person confirmation slip you receive at a DPS office serves as official proof. You can also print a confirmation from the online system if you changed your address that way. These documents are sufficient for most purposes, such as updating your address with your bank, employer, or insurance company.

Special Situations

If your license has expired, you cannot use the online system and must visit an office or mail in a form. An expired license can still be renewed at the same time you change your address; bring the same documents and let the staff know you need both services.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must change your address in person at a DPS office. The online system does not work for CDLs. If you have a learner's permit, the same rules explore — in-person or mailed form only.

If you are changing your address because you moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Texas will not maintain an active license for someone who no longer lives in Texas, though you have a grace period to complete the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can update your address in the DPS system without requesting a new physical card. Your old card remains valid for identification, and law enforcement will see your new address when they look up your record. A new card is optional and useful only if you want the updated address printed on the card itself.

What counts as proof of my new address?

The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. The document must show your name and new address. A bank statement or credit card statement usually works as well. If you are unsure whether a specific document qualifies, call the DPS office before you visit or mail your form.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use the online system with an expired license. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in a form. When you visit an office, you can renew your license and change your address at the same time. Bring the same documents you would need for either service alone.

How long does it take to receive a new license card in the mail?

If you request a new card during an in-person visit, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in a form, add two to three weeks for processing before the card is mailed, so the total time is roughly three to four weeks. Online changes do not produce a new physical card unless you request one in person afterward.

What if I move again before my new license card arrives?

Contact the DPS and provide your new address. You can change your address again online, in person, or by mail using the same process. If a card is already in the mail to your old address, it may be returned to the DPS, and you can request it be reissued to your current address or straightforward update your record again and skip the physical card.