What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Texas
To change your address on a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person. Texas does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of residency. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, and you will receive a new license with your updated address printed on it.
The new license is issued when ready after you complete the transaction. You do not need to renew your license to change your address — this is a separate transaction that does not extend your license expiration date. If your license expires within 60 days of your address change, you may want to renew at the same time to avoid a second trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person; Texas does not accept address changes by mail, phone, or online.
- Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and one form of residency proof such as a utility bill or lease.
- The fee for an address change is $11 if you keep your current license number, or $20 if you need a replacement card with a new number.
- Your new license is printed and issued on the same day; your old license is returned to you or destroyed at the office.
- An address change does not renew your license or extend its expiration date.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring your current Texas driver's license. If you have lost it, you will need to report it as lost or stolen before you can change your address, which requires a separate visit or online report through the DPS website.
Bring one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change of address form does not count as proof of residency.
Bring one form of residency proof if you are not a U.S. citizen. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need additional residency proof beyond the address document. If you are a permanent resident or hold a visa, bring your passport, visa, or permanent resident card.
Where to Go and How to Find Your Nearest Office
Visit any Texas DPS driver license office. Texas has over 130 offices statewide. You do not have to go to the office in your county — you can visit any location that is convenient for you. However, some offices have longer wait times than others, especially in urban areas during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
Find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The website shows each office's address, hours, and a real-time or estimated wait time. Many offices now allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others require an appointment. Check the office details on the DPS website before you go.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you have no alternative in Texas. Address changes cannot be processed remotely under any circumstance.
The Fee and What Happens to Your Old License
The fee for an address change is $11 if you keep your current license number and photograph. Your new card will be printed with your updated address but the same license number and photo as your current license.
If you request a new license number or a new photograph, the fee is $20. Most people do not need a new number or photo — you would only request this if you want a different photo or if there is a specific reason to change your license number. Ask the clerk at the office if you are unsure.
Your old license will be returned to you or destroyed at the office, depending on the office's procedure. If it is returned to you, you should destroy it yourself to prevent identity confusion. Do not carry both licenses.
Timeline and When Your New License Arrives
Your new license is printed and issued on the same day you visit the office. You will leave with your updated license in hand. There is no waiting period or mail delivery — the card is produced at the office while you wait.
If you need your license for a specific purpose (such as travel or a job requirement), confirm that the office has printed and issued it before you leave. In rare cases, the printer may malfunction; if this happens, the office will schedule you for a return visit or issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
Special Situations: Military, Homeless, or No Fixed Address
If you are active-duty military stationed outside Texas, you may use your military address as your Texas address. Bring a copy of your military orders or a military ID along with your current license and proof of the military address (such as a military housing document or a letter from your commanding officer).
If you are homeless or have no fixed address, you may use a shelter address, a social service agency address, or the address of a friend or family member where mail can reach you. Bring a letter from the shelter or agency on official letterhead, or a signed statement from the person whose address you are using, along with a utility bill or other document showing that address. The DPS office staff can guide you through this process when you arrive.
If you are in a domestic violence situation and need to keep your address confidential, contact the DPS office directly before you visit. Texas has a confidential address program; the office can explain your options and what documents you will need to bring.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Do not bring a post office change of address form as your only proof of residency. The DPS does not accept it. You must bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
Do not assume your old license is still valid after you receive your new one. Once you have been issued a new license with your updated address, your old license is no longer valid for any purpose. Destroy it or return it to the DPS.
Do not visit the office without checking the wait time first. Many offices publish wait times online, and some allow you to check in remotely. A 10-minute wait can become 90 minutes if you arrive during peak hours without checking ahead.
Do not bring expired documents. Your proof of address must be dated within 60 days. A utility bill from six months ago will not be accepted. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail in Texas?
No. Texas requires all address changes to be done in person at a DPS driver license office. You cannot change your address online, by phone, by mail, or through any other method. You must visit an office with your current license and proof of your new address.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?
If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state. However, if you still hold a valid Texas license and want to update the address on it, you must return to Texas to visit a DPS office in person. You cannot change a Texas address from out of state.
Do I need an appointment to change my address at a DPS office?
It depends on the office. Some DPS offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the DPS website for your nearest office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online or check in remotely to reduce your wait time.
Will changing my address renew my license if it is about to expire?
No. An address change does not renew your license or extend its expiration date. If your license expires within 60 days, you can renew it at the same time you change your address, but this requires a separate transaction and an additional fee. Ask the clerk whether it makes sense to renew during your visit.
What if my proof of address document does not have my full name on it?
The document must show your name and your new address. If a utility bill or lease is in a spouse's name or a roommate's name, it will not be accepted as proof of your residency. Bring a document that shows your own name, or bring multiple documents (such as a lease in your name plus a bank statement in your name) to establish your residency at that address.