You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet a few other conditions

Texas lets you update your address without visiting a driver's license office, as long as your current license has not expired and you are not changing your name or address type (like moving from a house to a PO box). You will use the Texas DPS website, provide your driver's license number and some personal details, pay a small fee, and receive a new license by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired, if you are changing your name, or if you are moving to a different address type, you will need to visit a DPS office in person. The same applies if you want to change other information like your height, eye color, or organ donor status — those changes also require an office visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online only if your Texas driver's license is currently valid (not expired).
  • The online process takes place on the Texas DPS website and costs a fee that varies depending on how much time remains on your license.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license is expired, if you are changing your name, or if you are moving to a different address type, you must visit a DPS office instead.

What you need before you start the online process

Have your current Texas driver's license number ready, along with your Social Security number. You will also need a valid email address and a phone number where you can receive a text message. The Texas DPS website will send you a confirmation code by text to verify your identity before processing the change.

Make sure you know your new address exactly as it should appear on your license — including the street number, street name, apartment or unit number if you have one, city, state, and ZIP code. If you are moving to a PO box instead of a street address, or from a street address to a PO box, you cannot use the online method and must visit an office.

Steps to change your address on the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the section on driver's license services. Select the option to change your address online. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

After you enter this information, the system will send a verification code to your phone by text message. Enter that code on the website to confirm your identity. Then you will enter your new address, review the information for accuracy, and proceed to payment. The fee depends on how much time is left on your current license — the more time remaining, the lower the fee.

Once you pay, you will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. You can use your old license until the new one arrives, even though it shows your old address.

How long the process takes and what to expect

From the time you submit your online request to the time your new license arrives typically takes 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you need your license sooner, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to request expedited processing, which costs more but is faster.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Texas does not require you to return it. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS to check the status of your request.

When you must visit a DPS office instead

If your driver's license is expired, the online method will not work. You will need to visit a DPS office to renew your license and change your address at the same time. The same applies if you are changing your name — name changes always require an in-person visit and usually require additional documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You also cannot change your address type online. If you are moving from a street address to a PO box, or from a PO box to a street address, you must visit an office. The same is true if you want to change other information on your license, such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status — those changes require an office visit.

Finding a DPS office near you if you need to visit in person

The Texas DPS website has a tool to find driver's license offices by city or ZIP code. You can search for offices near you and see their hours of operation. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. It is a good idea to check the office's hours before you go, because some locations have reduced hours on certain days.

You do not need to make an appointment at most Texas DPS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in larger cities do take appointments, and using an appointment can reduce your wait time. Check the website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I moved but have not received my new license after 10 business days?

Contact the Texas DPS directly through their website or by phone to check the status of your request. Provide your confirmation number from when you submitted the change. If the license was lost in the mail, the DPS can reissue it or you can visit an office to request a replacement.

Can I change my address if my license expires in the next few months?

Yes, as long as your license is not expired right now, you can change your address online. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you process the change, so you will not need to renew again for several years.

Do I need to notify my insurance company or vehicle registration when I change my address?

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance records. You will need to contact your insurance company and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles separately to update those documents with your new address.

What happens if I enter the wrong address by mistake?

If you realize the mistake before your new license arrives, contact the Texas DPS when ready to see if the request can be cancelled or corrected. If your license already arrived with the wrong address, you will need to visit a DPS office to request a correction, which may involve a fee.

Can I change my address online if I am a commercial driver's license holder?

Commercial driver's licenses have different rules. Check the Texas DPS website for CDL-specific instructions, or contact a DPS office directly, as some CDL changes may require an in-person visit.