Where to change your address in Houston
You can change your driver license address at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in the Houston area, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing — but it only works if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and if you have not changed your address more than once in the past year.
If you cannot use the online system, you will need to visit a DPS office in person. The main Houston locations are the DPS Driver License Division office at 4007 Director Beltway (near the airport) and several satellite offices throughout Harris County. You can find the full list and hours on the Texas DPS website under "Office Locations."
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary. Calling ahead or checking the DPS website for current wait times can help you plan. Some offices offer appointment scheduling through their website, which can save you time during busy hours.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through the Texas DPS website if your license is current and you have not changed your address more than once in the past year.
- If you cannot use the online option, visit any DPS office in Houston with your current driver license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address.
- The address change itself is free, and you do not need to renew your license or pay any fees to update the address.
- Your updated address will appear on your license when ready if you change it online, or within a few days if you change it in person.
What documents you need to bring in person
If you are going to a DPS office, bring your current Texas driver license and one document that shows your new address. Texas DPS accepts a wide range of documents as proof of address, including 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 tax return, or a homeowners insurance policy.
The document must show both your name and your new address, and it should be recent — typically from the last 60 days, though DPS does not publish a strict cutoff. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, bring whatever you have and explain your situation to the DPS staff member. Many offices will work with you if you can show a lease or other proof that you have the right to live there.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other identification beyond your current license. The address change is a straightforward update, not a full license renewal.
Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website
To change your address online, go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address Online" option under the Driver License section. You will need your driver 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 system charges no fee and takes about 10 minutes. Once you submit, your address is updated in the system right away. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid, but the address on file with DPS is changed. If you need the new address printed on a physical card, you can request a replacement license, which costs around $16 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
The online option is not available if your license is expired, if you have a suspended or revoked license, if you are changing your name, or if you have changed your address more than once in the past 12 months. If any of these explore to you, you must visit a DPS office in person.
What happens after you change your address
If you changed your address online, the update is complete when ready. Your driver license number and all other information stay the same — only the address on file changes. You can continue using your current license card; the address printed on it does not matter for most purposes, since police and other officials check the DPS database, not the card itself.
If you changed your address in person at a DPS office, the staff member will update your record on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper document confirming the change, and your address will be updated in the DPS system within a few hours. Again, your physical license card does not change unless you request a replacement.
Your new address will be reflected in the DPS system for purposes like vehicle registration, voter registration, and any future interactions with law enforcement. If you have an outstanding ticket or warrant, updating your address helps may support you receive notices. Some offices will also update your voter registration at the same time if you ask, though you may need to do this separately through your county voter registrar.
Address changes for commercial driver licenses
If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), the process is similar but you must change your address in person at a DPS office — the online option is not available for CDL holders. Bring your current CDL and proof of your new address, just as you would for a regular license.
CDL address changes are free and do not require a new test or renewal. The update takes the same amount of time as a regular license change. If your CDL is expired or suspended, you will need to address that separately before or at the same time as your address change.
If you moved out of state or lost your license
If you have moved out of Texas, you no longer need to update your Texas driver license address. You should instead get a driver license from your new state. Texas will keep your old license on file, but it will no longer be valid for driving once you establish residency elsewhere.
If you have lost your license and also need to change your address, you can request a replacement license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address and any other documents the DPS office requests for a replacement. The replacement license will have your new address printed on it, and the cost is around $16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver license when I move?
Texas law requires you to change your address within a reasonable time after moving — typically interpreted as 30 days. However, there is no penalty for being a few days late, and the change itself is free. Updating your address helps may support you receive notices about tickets, registration renewals, and other official matters.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You must visit a DPS office in person and may need to renew your license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and any documents required for renewal (such as proof of citizenship or residency). The cost for renewal plus address change is around $16.
How long does it take to change my address in person?
The actual update takes just a few minutes once you reach the DPS counter. However, wait times at DPS offices vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits. Some offices offer appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Will my old license card still work after I change my address?
Yes, your license card remains valid even though the address printed on it is outdated. Police and other officials check the DPS database, not the card itself, so they will see your current address. If you want a license card with your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement for around $16, which arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
What if I do not have a recent utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Bring whatever document you have that shows your name and new address — a bank statement, government check, tax return, or insurance policy all work. If you just moved and have no documents in your name yet, explain this to the DPS staff member and bring your lease or other proof that you live there. Most offices will work with you in this situation.