You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the license itself. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person — both methods work, but mail takes longer.
The method you choose depends on what you have available right now. Online works if you have your current license number and can upload a photo of your new proof of residency. Mail works if you want to avoid the office but don't mind waiting. In-person is fastest if you need the change recorded when ready or if the online system won't accept your documents.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if you have your license number and a photo of your proof of residency.
- Proof of residency must show your name and new address — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work, but a photo of the document is what you upload.
- Mailing a completed form takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit; in-person changes are recorded the same day.
- Your license itself does not change — only the address on file is updated, and you keep using the same physical card.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and then upload a photo of your proof of residency document.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. Take a clear photo of the front of the document with your name and address visible, and upload it through the website. Once you submit, DPS processes the change within one to two business days, and you will receive a confirmation email.
If the online system rejects your document, it usually means the address is not clearly visible or the document is outside the 90-day window. Check the rejection reason in your email and resubmit with a different document if needed.
Mailing a change of address form to DPS
read the "Change of Address" form from the Texas DPS website or request one by mail. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your proof of residency — the same documents accepted online work here, and they must be dated within 90 days.
Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the DPS website (this varies by region). Include your name and current address on the envelope so DPS can match it to your file. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation — your address is straightforward updated in the system, and you can verify the change by checking your record online or calling DPS.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact DPS to confirm receipt.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency to any Texas DPS driver's license office. You do not need an appointment for an address change — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the original proof of residency document, not a copy; DPS staff will verify it and return it to you.
The office staff will update your address in the system while you wait. The change is recorded when ready, and you walk out with your license showing the old address but with the new address now in the DPS database. Your license card itself does not change — only the record is updated. If you want a new card with the new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo.
Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it, in case the staff member needs to verify your identity. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.
What proof of residency documents DPS accepts
DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet) are the most common. Lease agreements, rental agreements, and mortgage statements work. Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance policies with your address also count. Government mail like tax documents or voter registration cards work too.
The document must have your full name printed on it — a bill addressed to "M. Chen" will not work if your license says "Marcus Chen". If you have recently moved and your name is not yet on a utility bill, a lease signed by you with your new address is usually the fastest alternative. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count as proof of residency.
What happens after you change your address
Your new address appears in the DPS database when ready (online or in-person) or within two to three weeks (by mail). Police officers, courts, and other agencies that check your license will see the new address. Your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it — DPS does not reprint cards for address changes alone.
If you need a new card with the new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license. Renewals cost money and require a new photo and a visit to a DPS office. Most people keep their old card and straightforward update the address in the system, since the card is still valid for identification.
Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. Changing your license address does not automatically update your car registration — you will need to handle that separately with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if your registration is also in your name.
If you cannot find your license number or proof of residency
If you have lost your license or cannot locate the number, you can still change your address in person at a DPS office. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, your date of birth, and proof of residency. The staff member will look up your license number in the system and process the change.
If you do not have proof of residency dated within 90 days, ask DPS which alternative documents they accept in your situation. Some offices will accept a combination of documents (like a lease plus a utility bill in someone else's name) if you can explain the gap. Call the DPS office in your area before you visit to ask what they will accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my address on my license affect my vehicle registration?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your vehicle registration separately with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if you want the registration to show your new address. Contact your local county tax assessor-collector's office or the DMV website for registration address changes.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes to complete. DPS processes the change within one to two business days, and you will receive a confirmation email. Your new address is then active in the system, even though your physical license card still shows the old address.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any method — online, mail, or in person. However, you cannot renew your license online if it is expired; you must visit a DPS office in person for renewal. If you need both an address change and a renewal, do both at the office visit.
What if DPS rejects my proof of residency document?
Check the rejection email for the specific reason — usually it means the address is not clearly visible, the document is older than 90 days, or the name does not match your license exactly. Resubmit with a different document that meets the requirements, or visit a DPS office in person and let staff review the document directly.
Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?
No. Changing your address updates only the record in the DPS system. Your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it and remains valid. If you want a new card with the new address printed on it, you must renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo and an office visit.