The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your Texas driver license online through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The address change shows up in the system right away, though your physical license still has the old address printed on it until it expires and you renew.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to DPS or walk into any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address. The mailed form takes two to three weeks to process. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with the change active when ready in the system.
  • You need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you mail the form, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — DPS will not accept a PO box as a residential address.
  • Your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it; the new address only appears on a replacement card you order later.
  • You do not need to change your address before your license expires, but doing so prevents mail from reaching an old address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver license services. You will enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Check that email and click the link to verify the change.

Once you confirm through email, the address change is complete in the DPS system. Law enforcement and government agencies can see your new address when ready. However, the physical card in your wallet still shows your old address — that does not change until you renew your license or order a replacement card.

Mailing a form to DPS

read the "process for Texas Driver License" form (DL-44) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your new address on the form and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A PO box does not count as a residential address.

DPS will process the form and send you a confirmation by mail, which usually takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the system is still your old one. Once DPS confirms the change, your new address is active.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. You can also bring a notarized affidavit of residency if you do not have a standard proof document.

Walk up to the counter, tell the clerk you need to change your address, and hand over your license and proof document. The clerk will update your information on the spot. Your new address is active in the system when ready, though your physical card still shows the old address.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also work. Government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card counts. A PO box address does not count — DPS requires a physical residential address.

If you do not have any of these documents in your name yet, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency. A notary public will witness you swearing that you live at the new address, and you sign the document in front of them. Many banks, law offices, and UPS stores have notaries on staff. This usually costs $5 to $15.

When your physical license card gets the new address

Changing your address does not automatically send you a new card. Your current license keeps the old address printed on it. The new address only appears on a replacement card if you order one, or on a new card when you renew your license at expiration.

If you want a replacement card with your new address right away, you can order one through the DPS website or at a DPS office. There is a fee for a replacement card — the cost varies but is typically around $11. You can also wait until your license expires and renew it then, which will include your current address on the new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before I move?

No. You can change it anytime after you move. However, waiting until after you move means mail from DPS or other agencies will go to your old address for a while. Changing it as soon as you have proof of your new address prevents that delay.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

You can use a notarized affidavit of residency instead. A notary public will witness you signing a statement that you live at the new address. This costs $5 to $15 and takes about 10 minutes. Many banks and UPS stores have notaries available.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail with an expired license. If you want to change it in person at a DPS office, your license must be valid or expired less than two years. If it is older than that, you will need to renew it instead of just changing the address.

Will I get a new card in the mail after I change my address?

No. Your current card keeps the old address. If you want a card with the new address, you must order a replacement card (which costs a fee) or wait until your license expires and renew it. The address change in the system takes effect right away even though your card does not change.