Update Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can change your address on a Texas driver license through three routes: the online system (fastest), by mail (takes longer), or at a DPS office in person. Texas does not charge a fee for an address change alone. You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo — the address updates on your existing license record and appears on your next renewal.

The online method through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website is available 24/7 and takes about 10 minutes. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person visits at a DPS office are when ready but require you to go in during business hours. Which route you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents required for each method.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas allows address changes online through the DPS website without a fee, and the change takes effect when ready in the system.
  • To update online, you need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
  • If you update by mail, send a signed letter with your old and new addresses, driver license number, and signature to the DPS address on the form.
  • In-person updates at any DPS office take minutes and require your driver license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • An address change does not extend your license expiration date or require you to pay a renewal fee.

Online Address Change Through the DPS Website

The Texas DPS website has a dedicated address-change tool that works on desktop and mobile. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the "Driver License" section, and look for "Change Address Online." You will need three pieces of information: your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies these against your record and then asks for your new address.

After you submit, the system confirms the change when ready and shows a confirmation number on screen. Write down or screenshot this number. The address updates in the DPS database right away, though it may take a few days to appear in all state systems. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew. When you renew, the new address will print on the replacement card.

This method works only if your information matches exactly what DPS has on file. If the system rejects you, it usually means a mismatch in your Social Security number, date of birth, or driver license number. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Address Change by Mail

To change your address by mail, write a letter on plain paper that includes your current driver license number, your old address, your new address, and your signature. Sign the letter in blue or black ink — do not print your signature. Include a copy of your driver license (front and back) or a photocopy of it. Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Address for Address Changes." Check the website before you mail because the address may vary by region.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your letter. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; the change straightforward appears in the system after processing. If you need to verify the change went through, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 and provide your driver license number. Like the online method, the address change does not affect your license expiration date or cost anything.

Keep a copy of your letter and the envelope you mailed it in, along with the tracking number if you sent it certified mail. This creates a record in case the letter is lost in transit.

In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) dated within the last 90 days. The address on the proof document must match the address you want to register.

Tell the clerk you need an address change. They will verify your information, update the system, and hand you a receipt. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical license still shows the old address until renewal, but your DPS record is updated. There is no fee and no wait time beyond the normal office queue.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours. Find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website before you go. Bring your license and proof document — nothing else is required.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

DPS accepts documents dated within 90 days of your visit. The document must show your name and the address you are registering. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common proof. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it is current. Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents are also acceptable if they show your name and address.

Government mail counts: property tax notices, voter registration cards, vehicle registration documents, and tax forms all work. A letter from your employer on company letterhead with your name and address is acceptable in some cases, but call ahead to confirm. Do not bring a handwritten note or a document with a different name on it — DPS will reject it.

If you do not have a document dated within 90 days, you can use an older document plus a recent utility bill or lease. The key is that at least one document must be current and show your name and new address clearly.

Timeline and When the Change Takes Effect

An online change takes effect in the DPS system when ready, though it may take a few days to sync across other state agencies. A mail change takes 2 to 3 weeks from receipt. An in-person change is when ready. In all cases, your physical driver license card keeps the old address printed on it until you renew your license — the address change does not trigger a new card.

When you renew your license (whether by mail, online, or in person), the new address will print on your replacement card. Your license expiration date does not change because of an address update. If your license expires in 2026, it still expires in 2026 after an address change.

If you need your new address to appear on your physical card before your renewal date, you must renew your license early. This costs the full renewal fee (around $50 to $60 depending on your license type) and is not required just for an address change.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common error is submitting an address change online when your information does not match DPS records exactly. If the system rejects you, do not try again when ready — use the mail or in-person method instead. Trying multiple times online can lock your account temporarily.

When mailing a change, do not forget to sign the letter. DPS will reject unsigned requests. Also, do not assume the change is complete after mailing — it takes 2 to 3 weeks, so plan ahead if you need the change recorded by a specific date.

For in-person visits, bring a document dated within 90 days. An older utility bill or lease will not work. If your proof document has a different name (such as a spouse's name on a joint utility bill), bring a second document that shows your name, such as a bank statement or insurance card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An address change does not require a new card. Your current license remains valid. The new address will print on your replacement card when you renew your license at its normal expiration date. If you want the new address on your physical card before then, you can renew early, but you will pay the full renewal fee.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready in the DPS database, though other state systems may take a few days to sync. Mail changes take 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your letter. In-person changes are when ready. If you need proof the change went through, call DPS Customer Service at 1-888-589-6556.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas driver license?

You can update your address to an out-of-state address using any of the three methods. However, Texas law requires you to get a driver license from your new state within a certain period (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state). Check your new state's DMV rules. You cannot legally drive on a Texas license if you are a resident of another state.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license using any method. However, you cannot renew your license online if it is expired — you must renew in person or by mail. If you need both an address change and a renewal, do the address change first, then renew.

Is there a fee for changing my address on my Texas driver license?

No. An address change alone is free. You only pay a fee if you renew your license early to get the new address printed on a new card. A standard renewal costs around $50 to $60 depending on your license type.