The fastest way to change your address
You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver's license office. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $0. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
If you prefer to change your address in person, you can visit any Texas driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address. This also costs nothing and takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on wait times at your local office.
Your address change takes effect when ready online or on the same day at an office. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS records show your new address for mail and official purposes.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online at the Texas DPS website for free using your license number and Social Security number, without visiting an office.
- In-person changes at a driver's license office require your current license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it, but your official record updates when ready and that is what matters for mail and legal purposes.
- Online changes process when ready; in-person changes take effect the same day you visit the office.
Changing your address online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You will need to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new mailing address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS records.
After you submit the form, the system confirms your change when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot. The DPS does not send a confirmation email or letter for online address changes, so keep that confirmation number if you need proof later that you made the change.
Your new address is now in the DPS system and will be used for any mail the department sends you, such as license renewal notices. You do not need to do anything else. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but that does not matter — the official record is what counts.
Changing your address in person at a driver's license office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must show your name and the address you are moving to.
Walk in to any Texas driver's license office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the clerk you want to change your address on your license. Hand them your license and your proof of address. They will enter the new address into the system, and you are done.
The change takes effect when ready. You will walk out with the same license card you came in with — it still shows your old address printed on it. Your DPS record, however, now shows your new address, and that is what the department uses for official mail and what law enforcement sees when they scan your license.
What counts as proof of your new address
The DPS accepts documents that show your name and your new address together. A utility bill in your name dated within the last 60 days works. A lease or rental agreement with your signature and the new address works. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and new address works. Government mail — such as a tax form or voter registration card — with your name and new address works.
Documents do not have to be originals; a photocopy or printed email is fine. The document does not have to be recent for all types — a lease signed months ago is still valid proof — but utility bills and bank statements should be from the last 60 days. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, a signed lease is the easiest option because landlords can provide it before you move in.
What happens if you move but do not change your address
Your license remains valid for driving even if the address on it is wrong. Police will not stop you or cite you for having an outdated address on your license. However, any official mail from the DPS — such as renewal notices — will go to the old address and you might miss it.
More importantly, if you are pulled over and the officer runs your license, the DPS system will show your old address if you have not updated it. This can cause confusion during traffic stops. For voting, vehicle registration, and insurance purposes, your address on file with the DPS should match where you actually live.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired, you can still change your address online or in person using the same process. An expired license is still valid proof of identity for an address change. You will need to renew your license separately, but you can change the address at the same time you renew if you visit an office in person.
If your license is suspended, you cannot change the address online. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your suspended license and proof of your new address. The clerk will update your address in the system. Your suspension status does not prevent an address change — only the online system is blocked for suspended licenses.
How long the change takes and what to expect next
Online changes are when ready. Your new address is in the DPS system as soon as you submit the form. In-person changes also take effect the same day — the clerk updates the system while you are there. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.
The DPS does not send you a new license card with the updated address. Your current card keeps the old address printed on it for the rest of its life. When you renew your license — usually every 8 years — you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it. Until then, your physical card shows the old address, but your official DPS record shows the new one, and that is what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address online or can I only do it in person?
You can do either. Online is faster and you do not have to leave home. In person takes longer but you get when ready confirmation from a clerk. Both are free and both update your record the same day.
What if I do not have a document proving my new address yet?
A signed lease agreement works even if you have not moved in yet. If you do not have a lease, wait until you have a utility bill, bank statement, or other official mail in your name at the new address. You cannot change your address without proof.
Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?
No. Your current card keeps the old address printed on it. You will only get a new card with the updated address when you renew your license, which is usually every 8 years. Until then, the DPS system has your new address even though the card does not.
Can I change my address if I am moving out of state?
You can update your address in the Texas system to an out-of-state address, but you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. Contact your new state's DMV for their requirements.
What if the online system will not accept my information?
The most common reason is that your driver's license number or Social Security number does not match what the DPS has on file. Double-check both. If they are correct and the system still rejects them, visit a driver's license office in person — they can update your address manually and troubleshoot any record issues.