The fastest way to change your address on a Texas driver license

You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver license office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $0. If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you prefer to update in person, you will need to visit a DPS office instead.

Texas allows you to change your address up to 30 days before you move or any time after you move. You do not have to wait until your license expires to make the change.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to complete the online process.
  • If your license is expired or your name has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring your current ID and proof of your new address.
  • Address changes take effect when ready online, but you will receive a new physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you move out of state or need to change your license class, you cannot use the online method and must visit a DPS office.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Your Information." You will be asked to log in or create an account if you do not already have one. The system will prompt you to enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.

Once verified, enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail or documents you receive at that location. Texas DPS will not accept a P.O. box as a primary address, though you can add one as a mailing address if needed. Review the information for accuracy before submitting. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print this for your records.

Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. You will receive a new physical driver license with your updated address in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

When you must visit a DPS office in person

If your driver license is expired, you cannot use the online method and must visit a DPS office. The same applies if your name has changed — the online system cannot process name changes. You also cannot change your address online if you are moving out of state, changing your license class (such as adding a commercial endorsement), or if you need to update your vision or medical information.

If you lost your license or it was stolen, you must visit an office to report it and request a replacement. The same is true if you need to change your gender marker or update your citizenship status.

What to bring to a DPS office

Bring your current driver license or state ID card. If your license is expired, bring an alternative form of government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. You will also need proof of your new address — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail with your name and new address on it works best.

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted for name changes.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring two documents that show your date of birth instead.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment

Visit dps.texas.gov/driver-license and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office nearest you. The website shows office hours, which vary by location. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they change seasonally.

You can schedule an appointment online through the same website. Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended — walk-ins may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents.

Wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings and longest on Fridays and Saturdays. If you cannot find an appointment slot online, call the office directly — staff can sometimes fit in walk-ins or offer alternative times.

What happens after you submit your change

If you changed your address online, your new address appears in the DPS system when ready. You can verify this by logging back into your online account. Your new physical license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

If you changed your address at a DPS office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the new one arrives.

Your old license with the old address remains valid until your new license arrives. You do not need to destroy it, but you should not carry both. Once your new license arrives, you can dispose of the old one or keep it for your records.

If you are moving to another state

You cannot change your Texas address online if you are moving out of state. You must visit a DPS office and explore for a new license in person, or you can wait until you move and obtain a license in your new state. Texas does not require you to update your license before leaving the state, but you will need a valid license from your new state once you establish residency there.

If you are moving temporarily but keeping Texas as your primary residence, you can change your address online to your temporary location. When you return, you can change it back online or at an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online method. You must visit a DPS office in person with your expired license, an alternative form of government-issued photo ID, and proof of your new address. The office will process your address change and issue a new license at the same time.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

Most new licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive yours within two weeks, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. In rare cases, mail delays can extend this to three weeks.

Do I need an appointment to change my address at a DPS office?

Appointments are not required but are recommended. You can schedule one online at dps.texas.gov/driver-license. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office location and time of day.

What if I move and do not update my address right away?

You can change your address up to 30 days before you move or any time after you move. There is no penalty for updating late, but you should update it within a reasonable time to may support mail and official documents reach you. If you are stopped by law enforcement, your license address should match where you currently live.

Can I change my address online if I also need to change my name?

No, name changes must be done in person at a DPS office. You will need a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You can change both your name and address during the same office visit.