Where and How to Report Your Address Change to Texas DPS
You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is the fastest and requires no documents — you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your new address, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee.
If you choose to mail your request, send a signed letter with your name, driver's license number, old address, and new address to the DPS address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. In-person visits at any Texas driver license office also take effect when ready, though you will need to bring your current license and proof of your new address (see the documents section below).
The online method works only if your address change is within Texas. If you are moving out of state, you will need to obtain a new license in your new state — Texas will not transfer your license across state lines.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the DPS website take effect when ready and require no documents, fees, or appointment.
- In-person changes at a driver license office also take effect when ready and require only your current license and one proof of your new address.
- Mail-in requests take 2 to 4 weeks and require a signed letter with your name, license number, and both addresses.
- You cannot change your address online if you are moving out of Texas; you must obtain a new license in your new state instead.
Documents You Need for an In-Person Address Change
If you go to a driver license office in person, bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that proves your new address. The document must show your name and the new address and must be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency (such as a court order or voter registration confirmation).
Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents are also accepted. A letter from your employer or a school enrollment letter works if it includes your name and new address. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other identity documents — your current license is sufficient for identity verification.
If you do not have a document dated within the last 90 days, you can bring two documents that together show your name and new address, even if they are older. For example, a utility bill from six months ago plus a lease agreement would work.
Online Address Change Step-by-Step
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address online. You will be directed to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or correct it.
Enter your new address in the fields provided. Double-check the zip code and street spelling — errors here will delay mail from DPS or other agencies. Once you submit, the system will confirm that your change has been processed. You will receive a confirmation number on screen; write it down or take a screenshot for your records.
Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. If you need a document showing your new address for other purposes (such as voter registration or a bank account), you can print your license information from the DPS website or wait for your next renewal notice, which will reflect the new address.
In-Person Address Change at a Driver License Office
Find the driver license office nearest you using the DPS office locator on their website. You do not need an appointment for an address change — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current license and your proof of address document.
Tell the clerk you are changing your address only, not renewing your license. The clerk will scan your license, verify your new address, and print a temporary document showing the change. Your license itself will not be reprinted unless you are also renewing it. The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system.
Keep the temporary document until you receive your next renewal notice or until you need to show proof of your address change. If you lose your license before your next renewal, the replacement will show your new address.
Mail-In Address Change Process and Timeline
Write a letter on plain paper and include the following: your full name, your current driver's license number, your old address, and your new address. Sign the letter and mail it to the DPS regional office that serves your area. The address for each region is listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Addresses."
DPS will process your letter and update your address in their system. You will not receive a confirmation letter — the change is complete when DPS processes it, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. If you need proof of the change before then, you can visit a driver license office in person with your current license and address proof.
Keep a copy of your mailed letter for your records. If you do not see the change reflected in your DPS record after 4 weeks, contact the DPS customer service line to confirm it was received.
What Happens to Your Physical License Card
Your current license card will not be reprinted when you change your address — it will remain valid with your old address printed on it. The DPS system will show your new address, and that is what matters for official purposes such as voting, vehicle registration, and law enforcement checks.
If you want a license card with your new address printed on it, you must renew your license. Renewals in Texas happen every 5 or 8 years depending on your age and license type. You can renew early if you wish, though there is no fee discount for doing so — you will pay the standard renewal fee.
If your license expires before you renew, you will need to renew it to get a valid card. At that time, your new address will be printed on the replacement card automatically.
Address Changes and Vehicle Registration
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must report your address change to the DMV separately if you own a vehicle. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
The DMV will send your vehicle registration renewal notice to the address on file with them, so updating it promptly ensures you do not miss renewal important date. If you move and do not update your DMV address, renewal notices will go to your old address and you may miss the important date without realizing it.
Some counties allow you to change your address at the same time for both your license and registration if you visit in person, but this varies by location. Call your local DMV office to ask whether they can process both changes in one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move within Texas?
No, there is no legal requirement to change your address on your license. However, it is practical to do so because DPS will mail renewal notices and other documents to the address on file. If you do not update it, important mail may go to your old address.
How long does an online address change take?
An online address change takes effect when ready. You will see a confirmation on screen, and the new address is in the DPS system right away. You do not need to wait for any mail or paperwork.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes, you can change your address even if your license is expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will need to renew it rather than just change the address. Contact DPS or visit a driver license office to confirm your license status.
What if I move to another state?
You cannot change your Texas license address to an out-of-state address. You must obtain a new driver's license in your new state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, though the exact timeline varies. Check your new state's DMV website for their requirements.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may need to know about your move for rating purposes, but that is a separate process — contact your insurance agent directly. The address change with DPS does not automatically notify your insurance company.