How to Change Your Address on a Texas Driver License

Where to change your Texas address

You can change your address at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster and costs nothing, but it only works if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and your current address is already on file with DPS.

If you cannot use the online system, you must visit a DPS office. Texas has driver license offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept them, and a few require them during certain hours. Calling ahead is worth the time if your office is in a large city.

The in-person process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called to a window. You will need to bring your current driver license and proof of your new address. If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time, which adds time and cost.

Key Takeaways

Texas lets you change your address online for free if your license is valid and not suspended, but the in-person option at a DPS office works for any situation.
Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days — bring the original or a certified copy.
An address change alone costs nothing and does not require a new photo or a new license card, though your card will show the updated address.
If your license is suspended, expired, or you have had a name change, you cannot use the online system and must go to a DPS office in person.
Texas does not mail you a new card after an address change; your current card remains valid, and the DPS database reflects your new address when ready.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person address change, bring your current Texas driver license and one document that proves your new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and full street address.

Acceptable proof of address includes 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 government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card. If you do not have an original, a certified copy works. A PO box does not count as a residential address for driver license purposes.

If you are changing your address online, you will not need to bring anything in person, but you will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log into the Texas DPS portal.

Online address changes through the Texas DPS portal

The Texas DPS website allows you to change your address without visiting an office if your license is valid and not suspended. Go to the DPS driver license services page, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The online system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in the DPS database. You do not receive a new card in the mail; your current card remains valid, and your address is updated in the system right away. If a police officer or another agency checks your license, they will see your new address.

The online option is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired; if you have had a recent name change; or if your current address is not already on file with DPS. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.

In-person address changes at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office during business hours with your current license and proof of your new address. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will take your documents, verify your information, and process the change at the window.

You will not pay a fee for an address change alone. If your license is expired or suspended, you will need to handle that at the same time, which may involve a renewal fee (currently $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal) and a new photo. If your license is valid and not suspended, the address change takes just a few minutes.

After the change is processed, your current card remains valid and will continue to work for identification. The DPS database updates when ready, so your new address is live in the system right away. You do not receive a new card with the updated address unless you renew your license.

Timing and what to expect

An address change at a DPS office is usually complete the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you are more likely to be seen quickly.

If you change your address online, the update is when ready. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail or for the system to process your request overnight.

After your address is changed, the DPS database reflects it when ready. If you are expecting mail from DPS (such as a vehicle registration renewal), make sure your address change is complete before the mail would normally arrive, or contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to update your address there as well if you have not already.

Address changes when your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot change your address online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The staff will process the address change, but they cannot issue you a new license until your suspension is lifted. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew your license with the updated address.

If your license is expired, you can change your address online only if you renew at the same time. If you prefer to change the address without renewing yet, you must go to a DPS office. The office will update your address, but your expired license will remain expired until you renew it.

If your license is suspended due to unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other court orders, you will need to resolve that issue before you can renew. An address change does not clear a suspension and does not restore your driving privileges.

Moving to Texas from another state

If you are moving to Texas and have a driver license from another state, you cannot straightforward change your address on that license. Texas requires you to get a Texas driver license within a certain time frame (usually 30 days after establishing residency). You will need to visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your identity.

The process is similar to renewing a license: you will get a new photo taken, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee. Your out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed depending on DPS policy. Once you have a Texas license, you can change your address using the methods described above.

If you are moving out of Texas, you do not need to notify the Texas DPS. Your Texas license remains valid in other states for identification purposes, though you will eventually need to get a license in your new state if you plan to drive there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new card when I change my address?

No. Your current card remains valid and does not change. The DPS database updates with your new address when ready, and that is what police officers and other agencies see when they check your license. You only get a new card if you renew your license for other reasons.

How long does an address change take?

Online changes are when ready. In-person changes at a DPS office usually take 15 to 30 minutes from the time you are called to a window, though wait times in the office can be longer depending on how busy it is.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will update your address, but your suspension will remain in effect until you resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, child support, etc.).

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and full street address all work. Bring the original or a certified copy. A PO box does not count.

What if I move and do not change my address on my license?

Your license remains valid for identification and driving. However, any mail from DPS or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will go to your old address. If you get pulled over, the officer will see your old address on your license, which could raise questions. It is best to update your address as soon as you move.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.