The fastest way to change your address on a Texas driver's license
You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office or paying a fee, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. Go to the DPS website, select "Change of Address," and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The change takes effect when ready in their system, though your physical card will not reflect it until you renew.
If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you prefer to update in person, you will need to visit a DPS office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number if your name has changed. There is no fee for a change of address.
Key Takeaways
- The online change-of-address tool on the Texas DPS website is free and takes effect when ready, even though your physical card will not update until renewal.
- You can only use the online tool if your license is current and you have not changed your name; otherwise you must visit a DPS office in person.
- Proof of your new address must be a document dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement.
- Visiting a DPS office for an address change requires no fee and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location.
Using the online change-of-address tool
The Texas DPS website has a dedicated form for address changes that works only if your license is valid and unexpired. Visit the DPS website, find the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services, and have your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear, then submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen.
The address change is recorded in the DPS system right away, which means law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address when ready. However, the physical card in your wallet will still show your old address until you renew your license. When you do renew — whether that is in a few months or several years — the new address will be printed on the replacement card.
What counts as proof of your new address
If you are changing your address in person at a DPS office, you must bring a document that shows your name and new address and was issued within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must have your name on it and the address you are registering.
If you do not have a document in your name yet — for example, you just moved and utilities have not been switched — ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DPS offices will accept this in place of a utility bill, though policies vary slightly by location. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will take.
When you must visit a DPS office in person
You cannot use the online tool if your driver's license is expired. You also cannot use it if you have changed your name since your license was issued — you will need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. In both cases, you must visit a DPS office and bring the required documents.
Some people also choose to visit in person even when they could use the online tool, because they want the new address on their physical card right away rather than waiting for renewal. If you do this, you will pay a renewal fee (the amount varies but is typically under $50) and receive a new card within one to two weeks.
Finding and visiting your nearest DPS office
The Texas DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code and see all nearby driver's license offices, their hours, and whether they are currently open. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the listing for your preferred location to see which system it uses. If appointments are available, booking one online will save you time.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are also changing your name, bring the legal document showing the change. Arrive during posted hours and expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes on average, though this varies widely depending on the office and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons or weekends.
What happens after you change your address
Once your address change is processed — whether online or in person — it is recorded in the DPS database and shared with other state agencies. This means your voter registration, vehicle registration, and other state records will be updated based on the address you provided. You do not need to contact those agencies separately.
If you changed your address online, your physical license will still show the old address until you renew. If someone asks to see your ID, the address on the card is outdated but your legal address on file is correct. When you renew your license for any reason — expiration, name change, or just wanting a new card — the new address will be printed on it.
Changing your address if your license is expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward change the address; you must renew the entire license. If it expired fewer than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Texas DPS website, depending on your age and whether you have had any traffic violations. Check the DPS website for renewal options, or visit an office in person with your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number.
Renewing an expired license costs more than changing an address on a current license — typically $50 to $100 depending on how long it has been expired and whether you choose a standard or Real ID card. If you are renewing in person, the new card will have your updated address and will arrive within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
Not separately. When you update your driver's license address through the Texas DPS, that change is automatically shared with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, which handles vehicle registration. Your vehicle registration will be updated to match your new address on file.
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Ask your landlord or property manager to write a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, your move-in date, and your new address. Some DPS offices will accept this temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill or other official document to arrive in your name. Call your local DPS office first to confirm they will take a landlord letter.
Can I change my address online if my license expires in two months?
Yes. The online tool works as long as your license is not expired. An expiration date in the future means your license is still valid, so you can use the online change-of-address form. Your address will update when ready in the system, and the new address will print on your card when you renew.
How long does it take for my new address to show up in the system?
If you change your address online, it is recorded when ready. If you change it in person at a DPS office, it is usually recorded the same day. However, it may take a few days for the change to appear in all connected systems, such as voter registration or law enforcement databases.
What if I changed my address online but made a mistake?
You can change your address again using the online tool at any time. straightforward log in with your driver's license number and Social Security number, enter the correct address, and submit. The new address will replace the previous one in the system when ready.