You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address more than once in the past year
Texas lets you update your address without visiting a driver license office, as long as a few conditions are met. You go to the Texas DPS website, log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and submit the new address. The change takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical card still shows the old address until it expires and you renew it. If you need the address changed on the card itself right away, you will have to visit an office in person.
The online method is fastest if you are moving within Texas and your license is current. If your license has expired, if you have already changed your address once in the past 12 months, or if you are moving out of state, you cannot use the online system and must go to a driver license office instead.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DPS online address change tool works only if your license has not expired and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months.
- You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the new Texas address to complete the online change.
- The address updates in the system right away, but your physical card will still show the old address until you renew your license.
- If you need the address printed on your card when ready, you must visit a driver license office and pay a replacement fee.
What you need before you start
Have your Texas driver license number and your date of birth ready. You will also need your new address — the street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The system will not accept a P.O. box as a mailing address for a driver license, so if you are moving to a location without a street address, you will need to use a different address or visit an office in person.
Make sure your license is not expired. Check the expiration date on the front of your card. If it has passed, the online tool will not let you proceed, and you will need to renew your license at a driver license office instead.
Steps to change your address online
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and find the online services section. Look for the option to update your driver license information or change your address. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth to log in.
Once you are logged in, select the option to change your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information to make sure it is correct, then submit. You should see a confirmation message on the screen. The Texas DPS will also send you a confirmation email to the address on file with your license.
The change is active in the system when ready. When you check your record online or when a police officer runs your license, the new address will show up. However, the physical card in your wallet will still display your old address.
When you cannot use the online system
If your license has expired, you cannot change your address online. You will need to renew your license at a driver license office, and you can provide your new address at that time. Renewal requires an in-person visit, a completed process, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
If you have already changed your address once in the past 12 months, the online system will block a second change. This rule exists to prevent fraud. To change your address again, you must visit a driver license office in person and explain the reason for the second change. Bring your license, proof of your new address, and any documentation that supports why you are moving again.
If you are moving out of Texas, you cannot use the online address change tool. You will need to get a new driver license from your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your Texas license information, but most require you to explore for a new license once you establish residency.
The difference between changing your address and getting a replacement card
Changing your address online updates the record but does not change the card itself. Your physical license will still show your old address. For most purposes — banking, insurance, voting — the address in the system is what matters, not what is printed on the card.
If you need the new address printed on your card right away, you must request a replacement card at a driver license office. This costs a fee (the amount varies by office location) and takes a few business days to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the card.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
If you move and do not change your address with the Texas DPS, your license is still valid for driving. However, official mail from the state — renewal notices, ticket information, court documents — will go to your old address and you may miss important important date. If you are stopped by police, the address mismatch may raise questions, though it is not illegal.
When your license expires, you will need to renew it. The renewal notice will be mailed to the address on file, so if you have not updated it, you may not receive the notice. You can still renew online or at an office, but you will need to provide your current address at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the address change to show up?
The change is active in the Texas DPS system when ready after you submit it online. When a police officer or government agency checks your record, they will see the new address right away. The confirmation email arrives within a few minutes.
Can I change my address if I just got my license?
Yes, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months. A newly issued license counts as current, so you can use the online tool.
What if I made a mistake when I entered my new address?
You can change it again online, but only if you have not already made two changes in the past 12 months. If you have hit the limit, you will need to visit a driver license office. Go back to the Texas DPS website, log in, and submit the correct address.
Do I have to update my address if I move within the same city?
No, updating your address is not required by law. However, it is a good idea so that official mail reaches you and your record is accurate if you are stopped by police or need to provide proof of residency.
Can I change my address to a P.O. box?
No. Texas driver licenses require a street address, not a P.O. box. If you do not have a street address, you can use a friend's or family member's address temporarily, or you can visit a driver license office to discuss other options.