Texas lets you change your driver license address online through the DPS 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) offers an online address change service at their official website. You log in with your driver license number and date of birth, confirm your new address, and pay a small fee. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a confirmation email. A new license with your updated address arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every situation qualifies for the online route. If your license has expired, if you changed your address within the past 12 months, or if you need to change your name at the same time, you must visit a DPS office in person. The online option exists specifically for straightforward address updates on current licenses.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online at the DPS website only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months.
- The online process requires your driver license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method, and takes about 10 minutes.
- A new license with your updated address arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary document.
- If your license is expired, if you changed your address recently, or if you need other changes, you must visit a DPS office in person instead.
- The fee for an online address change is the same as an in-person change and varies depending on your license type and remaining validity.
What you need before you start the online process
Gather your driver license number and your date of birth before you go to the DPS website. You will also need your new address and a payment method — DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Have your new address written down exactly as you want it to appear on your license, including apartment or suite numbers if applicable.
Check that your current license is not expired. Look at the expiration date printed on the front of your card. If it has passed, the online system will reject your request and you will need to visit a DPS office instead. The online tool also checks whether you changed your address within the past 12 months; if you did, you cannot use the online route.
Step-by-step: completing the address change online
Go to the DPS website and locate the "Change Address" option under the driver license services section. Click the link and you will be directed to a find login page. Enter your driver license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license. The system will pull up your current license information.
Review the information displayed and confirm it is correct. Then enter your new address in the fields provided. Double-check the spelling and format, especially if you are moving to an apartment or a rural address. Once you confirm the address is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your payment method information and complete the transaction.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and a confirmation email at the address on file with DPS. Save or print this confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address you just entered, so make sure you will be there to receive it or that someone at that address can accept mail on your behalf.
When you must go to a DPS office instead
If your license is expired, you cannot use the online address change tool. You must visit a DPS office and renew your license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity. The office will process both the renewal and the address change together.
If you changed your address within the past 12 months, the online system will not allow you to make another change online. You must visit an office in person. This rule exists to prevent fraud and may support address changes are legitimate. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity.
If you need to change your name at the same time as your address, or if you need to correct other information on your license, you must go to an office. The online tool handles address changes only. A DPS office can process multiple changes in one visit.
How long it takes and what to expect
The online process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your new license is printed and mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license or a paper document to use while you wait. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can carry your old license along with proof of your address change (the confirmation email works for this).
Mail delivery times can vary depending on your location and the volume at the DPS mail facility. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
Finding a DPS office if you need to visit in person
The DPS website has a location finder tool where you can enter your city or zip code and see all nearby driver license offices. Each office has its own hours and may have different wait times depending on the day and time you visit. Many offices now use an online appointment system where you can reserve a time slot before you go, which can significantly reduce your wait.
Call ahead or check the office website to see if appointments are available. If you must walk in without an appointment, go early in the day or mid-week to avoid peak times. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing anything, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day.
The fee and payment details
The fee for an online address change depends on how much validity remains on your current license. If your license is valid for more than two years, the fee is lower than if it is expiring soon. The exact amount varies and DPS displays the fee before you complete payment, so you will know the cost before you commit.
Payment is processed when ready when you submit your information. DPS accepts major credit and debit cards only; they do not accept cash, checks, or electronic bank transfers. If your payment is declined, the system will tell you why and you can try again with a different card or contact your bank to resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the online address change if I just moved and have not updated my address anywhere yet?
Yes, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months. You do not need to have updated your address with your bank, employer, or anywhere else first. The online tool only checks DPS records.
What if I enter the wrong address by mistake?
If you realize the mistake before you submit payment, go back and correct it. If you have already paid and received a confirmation, contact DPS when ready. They may be able to cancel the order and refund your fee, but this depends on how quickly you call. After your new license is printed, you would need to visit an office to correct it.
Will my old license still work while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until it expires. You can use it to drive, and if you are asked for proof of your new address, show the confirmation email from your online address change. Law enforcement and other officials recognize this as proof of a pending address update.
Do I need to bring anything to the mailbox to receive my new license?
No. Your new license arrives in regular mail with no signature required. Make sure someone is home to collect it, or arrange for mail to be held at your local post office if you will not be there. The envelope is not marked as containing a license, so it looks like regular mail.
Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver license (CDL)?
No. The online address change tool is for regular driver licenses only. If you hold a CDL, you must visit a DPS office in person to change your address, even if your license is current and you have not changed your address recently.