What You Need to Do in Texas

To change your address on a Texas driver 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 proof of your new address and your current driver license, then complete a form at the office. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have all required documents.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license reaches you, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license (valid for 45 days) on the day you make the change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person; no online, mail, or phone changes are available in Texas.
  • Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days.
  • The address change itself is free and takes about 15 minutes, but you will receive a new license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive when ready, request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 45 days while you wait for your new card.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring your current Texas driver license and one document that proves your new address. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement.

If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in your spouse's or parent's name plus a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship. A notarized letter from your landlord stating your address is also accepted if you cannot produce a utility bill or lease.

Do not bring a post office change of address form — the DPS does not accept it as proof of residence. Bring the original document or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You

Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website (dps.texas.gov) to find the office closest to you. Enter your city or zip code to see hours, address, and phone number. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter wait times than urban locations.

You do not need an appointment in most Texas DPS offices, but some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the website. If your office offers appointments, booking one can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are still accepted at all offices.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office is open on the day you plan to visit. Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. The DPS website shows current hours for each location.

What Happens at the Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are changing your address. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When called, you will go to a window where the staff member will verify your current license and review your address proof document.

The staff member will ask you to confirm your new address and may ask whether you want to update any other information (such as your phone number or emergency contact). You will then sign a form confirming the change. There is no fee for an address change on a valid license.

Before you leave, ask whether you need a temporary paper license. If you do, the staff member will print one on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail.

Timeline and What to Expect After

Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary by location; rural addresses may take longer. You can use your old license to drive during this time.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DPS by phone or visit the office again. Keep your temporary paper license in your vehicle if you received one. When your new card arrives, destroy the old one (cut it in half) and the temporary license.

If you move again before your new license arrives, return to the DPS office and request another address change. The DPS will issue a second new card with your current address.

Special Situations

If you are changing your address because you are homeless or living in a shelter, you can use the shelter's address or a mail forwarding service address. Bring a letter from the shelter on its letterhead or documentation from the mail service showing your name and the address you want on your license.

If your current license is expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew the license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport). Renewal fees explore in addition to the address change.

If you are a commercial driver license (CDL) holder, address changes follow the same process and are free. Visit any DPS driver license office with your CDL and address proof.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume a post office change of address form updates your driver license. The USPS and DPS are separate systems. You must visit the DPS office to change your license address.

Do not bring a photocopy of your address proof document. Bring the original or a certified copy. The DPS staff member must see the actual document.

Do not wait until your license expires to change your address. If your license is expired, you must renew it, which costs more and takes longer than a straightforward address change.

Do not assume your new license will arrive at your old address. The DPS mails it to the new address you provide at the office. If you are moving out of state or to a temporary address, plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online or by mail in Texas?

No. Texas requires all address changes to be made in person at a DPS driver license office. You cannot change your address online, by phone, or by mail. You must visit an office with your current license and address proof.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease?

You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or credit card statement dated within the last 90 days. If none of these are available, a notarized letter from your landlord or a document in your spouse's or parent's name plus proof of relationship also works.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DPS mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If your license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DPS office where you made the change.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on a valid driver license is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time or if your license is expired.

What is a temporary paper license and do I need one?

A temporary paper license is a printed document valid for 45 days that allows you to drive while you wait for your new card. You do not need one if you can use your old license, but request one if you prefer to carry your new address when ready or if your old license is damaged.