You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is online through the DPS website if your license is valid and you have not changed your name. If you cannot use the online system — because your license is expired, suspended, or you have changed your name — you will need to visit a DPS office in person or mail in a form.

Your address change takes effect when ready online or at the office, though a new physical card with your updated address will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to bring your old license to update your address, but you will need proof of your current address and your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dps.texas.gov works only if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof of your new address to change your address online.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can visit any DPS office in person with your license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number.
  • A new card showing your updated address arrives by mail within two to three weeks; your address is active in the system when ready.
  • Mailing in a change is slower and requires the correct DPS form, so calling your local DPS office first can confirm what they need.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Change Address Online" or a similar option — the exact link name changes, so search the site if you cannot find it when ready. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Once you are logged in, enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you a summary before you submit. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. Your address is updated in the DPS system right away, even though your new physical card has not arrived yet.

The online system does not work if your license is expired, if you have a suspended or revoked license, or if you have changed your name since you got your current license. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office or mail in a form.

Visiting a DPS office in person

Find your nearest DPS office by searching "DPS driver license office near me" or visiting dps.texas.gov and using their office locator. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use a reservation system — check the office's page before you go.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your information in the system, and your address becomes active when ready. You will receive a new card by mail within two to three weeks. The whole process at the office usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if the office is not busy.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document in your name, bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a lease and a recent bank statement.

Mailing in your address change

Call your local DPS office or visit dps.texas.gov to find out which form to use and where to mail it. The form you need depends on whether your license is valid or expired. Ask the office staff what documents to include — requirements vary slightly by office, and sending the wrong paperwork will delay your change.

Mail your form, a copy of your driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number to the address the office gives you. Keep a copy of everything you send. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, sometimes longer. Your address will not be active in the system until the office receives and processes your form.

Mailing is the slowest option and carries the risk that documents get lost. If you can visit an office or use the online system, those routes are faster and more reliable.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement all work. If the document is in your name but does not show your address clearly, bring a second document — for example, a lease and a recent bank statement together prove both your identity and your address.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask the office what they will accept. Some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease, even if the lease is dated before you moved in. Calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.

What happens after you change your address

Your address is active in the DPS system when ready — police officers, courts, and other agencies see your new address when they look up your license. Your new physical card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Until the new card arrives, your old card with the old address is still valid for identification purposes.

If you move again before your new card arrives, you can change your address again using the same method. You do not have to wait for the card to arrive first. If your new card arrives and you have moved again, you can update your address once more without renewing your license.

If your license is expired or suspended

You cannot change your address online if your license is expired or suspended. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired or suspended license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number. The clerk will update your address and can discuss renewal or suspension status at the same time.

If your license is suspended, changing your address does not lift the suspension — you will still need to resolve whatever caused the suspension (unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other issues) before you can drive legally. The address change is separate from the suspension status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my old license to change my address?

No, you do not need your old license to change your address online. If you visit an office in person, bring it — it makes the process faster — but the office can look up your information without it if you have your license number and Social Security number.

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

A new card with your updated address arrives within two to three weeks of your change. Your address is active in the system when ready, so police and government agencies see the new address right away even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

Can I change my address if my name has changed since I got my license?

No, you cannot use the online system if your name has changed. You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license, proof of your new address, proof of your Social Security number, and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update both your name and address.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?

You can bring two documents together that show your name and address — for example, a bank statement and a lease, or a credit card statement and a property tax bill. If you have just moved and do not have any documents in your name yet, call your local DPS office and ask what they will accept; some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord.

Is my old address still valid on my license until the new card arrives?

Your old card is still valid for identification, but your address in the DPS system is updated when ready. Police and government agencies see your new address when they look up your license, even though your physical card still shows the old address. You do not need to carry both cards.