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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without visiting a driver license office, as long as a few conditions are met. You will need your current driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $0 — there is no fee for an address change.

The online system works only for straightforward address changes. If your license has expired, if you have changed your address within the past 12 months, or if you need to update your name or other personal information at the same time, you will have to visit a DPS office in person or use the mail option instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes are free and can be completed online through the Texas DPS website if your license is current and you have not changed your address in the past year.
  • You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to start the online process.
  • The system will email you a confirmation, and your new address takes effect when ready — you do not receive a new physical card.
  • If your license is expired or you changed your address within the past 12 months, you must visit a DPS office or mail in a form instead.
  • Your old license remains valid with the new address recorded in the system, so you do not need to carry proof of the change.

Step-by-step process on the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" from the menu. You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Once you are logged in, you will see your current address on file. Enter your new address in the fields provided. Double-check the spelling and zip code — mistakes here can cause mail delivery problems later. After you confirm the new address, the system will send a verification email to the address you have on file with DPS. Open that email and click the link inside to finalize the change. Your new address is then active in the system.

Keep the confirmation email for your records. You do not need to print anything or carry proof of the change when you show your license — the address update is recorded in the state database and will appear when an officer or business scans your license.

When you cannot use the online method

The online system will reject your request if your license has expired. In that case, you will need to renew your license at the same time you change your address. You can renew online if you meet other requirements, but the address change must happen as part of that renewal process, not separately.

You also cannot use the online method if you have already changed your address once within the past 12 months. This rule exists to prevent fraud. If you fall into this situation, you can visit a DPS office in person with your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). You can also mail a completed DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) along with proof of address to your local DPS office.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other personal information at the same time as your address, the online system will not handle that. You will need to visit a DPS office or mail in the appropriate form for those changes.

What counts as proof of your new address

If you end up visiting a DPS office or mailing in a form, you will need to show proof that you actually live at the new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and the new address and be dated within the past 60 days.

A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — also works. A cell phone bill typically does not count, and neither does a letter from an employer or a handwritten note. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, call your local DPS office to ask what temporary proof they will accept.

How long the change takes and when it shows up

When you complete the online process and click the verification link in your email, the change is active when ready. You can use your old license with the new address recorded in the system right away. If a police officer or business runs your license through the state database, they will see your updated address.

If you visit a DPS office in person, the address change is recorded on the spot. If you mail in a form, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. During that time, your old address may still appear in some systems, so if you are expecting important mail, consider updating your address with the sender directly (your bank, insurance company, employer, etc.) rather than waiting for the DPS change to propagate everywhere.

You do not receive a new physical license card

An address change does not trigger a new license card in the mail. Your current license remains valid and legal to use, even though it shows your old address. The state database is what matters — when someone scans your license or looks it up, they see the new address you entered online.

If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one at a DPS office, but there is a fee (currently $16 for a replacement card). Most people skip this step because the old card works fine for all legal purposes. You only need a new card if you want the physical card to match your current address for personal reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not get the verification email?

Check your spam or junk folder first — verification emails sometimes end up there. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, go back to the DPS website and try the process again. Make sure you entered your email address correctly. If the problem continues, call your local DPS office or visit in person to change your address instead.

Can I change my address if I have an out-of-state license?

No. The online system only works for current Texas driver licenses. If you have moved to Texas from another state, you will need to get a Texas license first. You can do this online if you meet the requirements, but you cannot straightforward update an out-of-state license through the Texas DPS system.

Do I need to notify my insurance company or the DMV separately?

Yes. Changing your address with the DPS does not automatically update your auto insurance, health insurance, or any other records. Contact your insurance company directly to report your move. You do not have a separate "DMV" in Texas — the DPS handles all driver license and vehicle registration matters — but you should update your vehicle registration address if you have moved.

What if I moved but do not have proof of address yet?

Call your local DPS office before you visit. Some offices will accept a signed lease, a utility company letter confirming service at your new address, or a temporary document while you wait for a bill to arrive. Requirements can vary by office, so it is worth asking first rather than making a trip and being turned away.

Can I change my address on someone else's behalf?

No. The online system requires the license holder's driver license number and Social Security number, and you must verify the change through an email sent to the address on file. A parent, spouse, or guardian cannot do this for another adult. A minor's parent or guardian may be able to make changes in person at a DPS office with proper documentation, but you should call ahead to confirm.