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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest method is online through the DPS website if your license is valid and you have not had any address changes in the past 60 days. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Your current license remains valid during and after the change — you keep the same license number and expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the DPS website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if your license meets the requirements.
  • If you mail in a change-of-address form, include a proof of residency document and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • You can walk into any DPS office with your license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to change your address in person.
  • Proof of residency must show your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works.
  • If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail methods and must visit an office.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address online. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

The online method is only available if your license is currently valid, you have not changed your address in the past 60 days, and your license was not issued for a medical reason. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, skip to the mail or in-person sections below. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks.

Mailing in a change-of-address form

read the process for a Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Certificate (Form DL-44) from the Texas DPS website, or call your local DPS office to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your new address. You do not need to fill in every field — focus on the address section and sign the form.

Include one document that proves your residency at the new address. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and your new address. Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license, one proof of residency document, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency works the same way as the mail method — bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your name and new address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

You can find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some locations allow you to schedule one online. The address change is processed on the spot, and you will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks. If you need your new license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

What happens if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online or mail methods. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents as described above, plus any documentation related to why your license was suspended or revoked — for example, proof that you have paid outstanding traffic fines or completed a required course.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the online and mail methods are also not available. You will need to renew your license instead of straightforward changing your address. Renewal requires visiting a DPS office and may involve a new photo, vision test, and written test depending on how long your license has been expired.

Proof of residency documents that DPS accepts

DPS accepts several types of documents to prove you live at your new address. Each document must show both your name and your new address. The most common options are utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank statements dated within the last 90 days. Some offices also accept homeowner's or renter's insurance policies if they display your name and current address.

If you are unsure whether a specific document will work, contact your local DPS office before you submit your change-of-address request. Having the right document ready saves time, especially if you are mailing in your form or visiting an office in person. If you do not have any of these standard documents, ask the DPS office what alternatives they may accept in your situation.

What to do if you move before your new license arrives

If you change your address and then move again before your new license arrives in the mail, you have two options. You can file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service so your license is forwarded to your next address. Alternatively, you can submit another address change to DPS with your new address — the system will send the license to the most recent address you provided.

If your license arrives at an old address and you do not receive it, contact your local DPS office. You can request a duplicate license to be sent to your current address, though there may be a small fee for a duplicate. Keep track of when you submitted your change so you know roughly when to expect the new license to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after changing my address?

Online changes take one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes also result in a new license arriving within one to two weeks, unless you pay for expedited service at the office.

Do I need to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?

You can change your address before or after you move. However, Texas law requires your address on your driver's license to match your actual residence within a reasonable time. It is best to update it within 30 days of moving to avoid any issues.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You will need at least one document showing your name and new address. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative documents they may accept in your situation.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can change your address using the online, mail, or in-person methods. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew your license instead, which requires visiting a DPS office in person.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address on your driver's license does not affect your driving record. You should notify your insurance company separately of your address change, as they maintain their own records independent of DPS.