The fastest way to change your address
You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver's license office. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the Driver's License section, and look for the address change option. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
If you prefer to change your address in person, visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. This also costs nothing and takes about 15 minutes, though wait times vary by location.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address change is separate from renewal. Your license remains valid with the old address printed on it while the DPS records show your new one.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at dps.texas.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you can do it from home without an appointment.
- If you go in person to a DPS office, bring your current license and a document showing your new address dated within the last 90 days.
- Changing your address does not require renewing your license — they are two separate transactions.
- The DPS updates your address in their system when ready after an online change, though the physical card still shows your old address.
- If you cannot access the online system or need help, call the DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6789.
What documents you need for an in-person address change
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that shows your new address. The DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and bank or credit card statements. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and new address.
If your name has changed since you got your license, you'll also need to bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. An address change alone does not require a name document.
Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. The DPS uses this to verify your identity in their system.
Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect
Search for DPS driver's license offices on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. The search shows office locations, hours, and whether appointments are available. Some offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. You can book an appointment online or by calling 1-888-589-6789.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The staff will verify your identity, check your address proof, update your record in the system, and give you a receipt. Your license card itself will not change — it still shows your old address. The DPS system, however, now has your new address on file for mail, vehicle registration, and other official purposes.
Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less busy than afternoons or Saturdays.
Changing your address online step by step
Go to dps.texas.gov and navigate to the Driver's License section. Look for a link labeled "Change Address" or "Update Address Online." Click it to start the process.
Enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to confirm your identity by answering a security question based on your DPS file.
Type in your new address and review it for accuracy. The system will show you what will be recorded. Once you confirm, the change is submitted. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot. The DPS updates your address in their system right away, though any physical mail from the state may take a few weeks to reach your new address.
What happens after you change your address
Your driver's license card itself does not change. It still shows your old address printed on it. However, the DPS database now has your new address, which is what matters for official purposes. When you renew your license in the future, the new address will be printed on the replacement card.
The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. If you get pulled over or a police officer runs your license, they will see your new address on their screen. Vehicle registration, voter registration, and other state records do not automatically update — you'll need to change those separately if required.
If you move again, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit to how often you can update it online or in person.
If the online system is not working for you
If you cannot access the online system, get an error message, or your information does not match what the system has on file, call the DPS Driver's License Division at 1-888-589-6789. They can help you troubleshoot or schedule an in-person appointment. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
If you've recently moved and your address proof is in someone else's name (for example, you're staying with family), bring a letter from that person on their utility bill or lease, along with your own ID. Some offices accept this; others may ask you to come back with a document in your name. Calling ahead to ask what your local office accepts can save you a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of an address change within a certain timeframe, though the exact requirement depends on your license type. It's safest to change it as soon as you move. Keeping your address current helps may support you receive mail from the state and keeps your record accurate.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm what you need to do.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. The change is recorded in the DPS system when ready. However, if the state sends you mail at your new address, it may take a few weeks to arrive because mail processing takes time.
Will my new address show on my physical driver's license card?
No. The card you have now will still show your old address. The new address is recorded in the DPS database. When you renew your license, the replacement card will have your current address printed on it.
What if I don't have a document with my new address on it yet?
You need a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and haven't received a utility bill or bank statement yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some DPS offices accept this; call ahead to confirm your local office does before you visit.