You can change your Texas driver's license address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you are not changing your name
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address on a valid driver's license without visiting a driver's license office. You go to the DPS website, enter your license number and personal details, confirm the new address, and pay a $2 fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a confirmation email when ready. Your updated license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
This online option works only if your current license has not expired and your name has not changed. If your license is expired, your name is different, or you need to change other information like your height or eye color, you must visit a driver's license office in person. Texas does not offer online renewal for expired licenses or name changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DPS online address change costs $2 and takes 10 minutes, with your updated license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can only use the online method if your license is currently valid and your name has not changed.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process.
- If your license is expired or you are changing your name, you must visit a driver's license office and bring documents that prove your identity and address.
What you need before you start the online address change
Gather these pieces of information before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need the new address you want on your license and a credit or debit card to pay the $2 fee.
Make sure your new address is correct before you submit it. Once you pay the fee, you cannot undo the transaction online. If you make a mistake, you will need to contact the DPS or visit a driver's license office to correct it, which takes longer than the original online change.
Step-by-step process for changing your address online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address on Driver License" or a similar link (the exact wording changes occasionally, so look for "address change" or "update address"). You will be taken to a find form.
Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information. Review it to make sure it is correct, then enter your new address in the fields provided. Double-check the spelling and zip code.
Read the confirmation screen carefully. It will show your current address and your new address side by side. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to contact the DPS later.
When you cannot use the online method
If your driver's license has expired, you cannot change the address online. Texas requires you to renew your license in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease).
If your name has changed since you got your license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must visit a driver's license office. The online system will reject your request if the name on your Social Security record does not match the name on your license. You will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you need to change information other than your address, such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status, you must go to a driver's license office. The online system only handles address changes.
How long it takes and what to expect after you pay
After you complete the online transaction, you will see a confirmation screen with a confirmation number. Save this number. You will also receive an email confirmation within a few minutes. This email is your proof that you submitted the change.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit the change. During this time, your old license is still valid. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can use your old license as long as it has not expired.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Texas DPS. Have your confirmation number ready. You can call the DPS customer service line or visit a driver's license office with your confirmation email.
Proof of address documents if you must visit an office instead
If you cannot use the online method and must visit a driver's license office, you will need to bring proof that you live at your new address. Texas accepts current utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your current driver's license and at least one form of identification that shows your name and date of birth, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license expires soon?
Yes, as long as your license has not already expired. The online system checks whether your license is currently valid, not whether it will expire in the near future. If your license has expired, you must visit a driver's license office to renew it and change your address at the same time.
What if I enter the wrong address by mistake?
Contact the Texas DPS as soon as possible. You can call their customer service line or visit a driver's license office with your confirmation email and identification. They can correct the address, though this may take longer than the original online change. Some offices may charge a small fee to make the correction.
Do I need to bring my old license to the mailbox when my new one arrives?
No. Your old license becomes invalid once your new license is issued, but you do not need to return it. You can destroy it or keep it for your records. Texas does not require you to mail back expired or replaced licenses.
Can I change my address online if I am an out-of-state resident with a Texas license?
Yes, the online system does not check your residency status. As long as your Texas license is valid and your name has not changed, you can update your address online regardless of where you currently live. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
What if the online system says my information does not match?
This usually means your driver's license number, date of birth, or Social Security number was entered incorrectly. Check that you typed each piece of information exactly as it appears on your license and Social Security card. If the problem continues, visit a driver's license office or call the DPS to verify your information is correct in their system.