Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the license itself. You have three routes: the fastest is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you do not have a computer or prefer to mail it, you can send a form and proof of your new address to DPS. The slowest but most direct option is walking into a DPS driver license office in person.

Which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid and what kind of ID you hold. A standard driver's license or ID card that has not expired can be changed online or by mail. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it instead of just changing the address — that requires an in-person visit and costs the renewal fee. Military personnel and people with certain visa types have separate processes.

The address change itself takes effect when ready online or within 7 to 10 business days by mail. You do not need to carry a new physical card while you wait — your old license is still valid for driving. The new card arrives in the mail about two weeks after DPS processes your request.

Key Takeaways

  • The online system at the Texas DPS website is the fastest method and requires only your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
  • By-mail requests need a completed form, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a copy of your current license.
  • In-person visits at any DPS office take about 30 minutes and require your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your old license remains valid while you wait for the new card to arrive in the mail, which typically takes two weeks after processing.
  • If your license has expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew the license instead, which requires an in-person visit.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver license services section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you submit the request, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about the status. The change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though the physical card with your new address will arrive by mail within two weeks. There is no fee for an address change.

The online system works only if your license is currently valid. If your license expired more than two years ago, the system will reject your request and direct you to renew instead.

Sending an address change by mail

read or request the address change form from the Texas DPS website — it is called the "Change of Address" form. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign and date the form. You do not need to notarize it.

Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Do not send originals — copies are fine.

Mail the form and documents to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives it. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — your new card will straightforward arrive when it is ready, typically two weeks after processing. If you want to track the status, call the DPS customer service line and provide your license number and Social Security number.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (same documents accepted by mail: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use a reservation system — check the website for your specific office.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew your license. The process takes about 30 minutes, including waiting time. You will fill out a short form at the counter, show your documents, and pay nothing. Your new card will be mailed to you within two weeks. Your current license remains valid while you wait.

Go in person if you want the fastest confirmation that your change was recorded, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. This is also the only option if your license has expired and you need to renew it at the same time.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works. A bank or credit card statement with your address printed on it is acceptable. Government mail — such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document — also counts if it has your name and address.

Documents that do not count include a printed confirmation email, a screenshot, a letter you wrote yourself, or a document with only a P.O. box. If you recently moved and have not yet received a bill at your new address, ask your utility company or bank for a statement they can print or email to you when ready. Some companies will print one on the spot if you call.

If your license has expired or is expiring soon

An address change and a license renewal are two separate transactions in Texas. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot change the address online — you must renew the license instead. If your license expires within 60 days, you can still change the address now, but you will need to renew within that window anyway.

If you want to do both at once, go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired or expiring license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport). The renewal fee varies but is typically around $25 to $35 for a standard license. The office will process both the address change and the renewal in one visit, and you will receive a new card by mail within two weeks.

If you renew online or by mail without changing your address first, your new card will arrive with your old address. You would then need to change the address again afterward, which means waiting for two cards instead of one.

Military personnel and special circumstances

If you are on active duty and do not have a permanent Texas address, you can use a military address or a relative's address for your license. The process is the same as a standard address change, but you may need to provide a military ID or a letter from your commanding officer as proof of your current location. Check with your local DPS office or call customer service to confirm what documents they need.

If you have a visa or are not a U.S. citizen, your address change process depends on your immigration status. Some visa holders cannot change their address online and must go in person. Call the DPS customer service line or visit an office to ask about your specific situation before you try to change your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?

The new card arrives within two weeks after DPS processes your request. Online requests process when ready, so your card ships within a few days. Mail-in requests take 7 to 10 business days to process, then another week or so to arrive. Your old license is valid for driving the entire time you wait.

Do I need to notify my insurance company or vehicle registration?

Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. You should update your vehicle registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if you moved. Your insurance company may also need your new address — contact them directly. Changing your license address does not automatically update these other records.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Texas, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of changing your Texas address. Once you have a license from your new state, you can let your Texas license expire. If you still need a Texas license for work or other reasons, you can change the address to an out-of-state location, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can change your address even if your license is suspended, as long as the license itself has not expired. If your license is revoked, you cannot change the address — you would need to go through the reinstatement process first. Call DPS customer service to find out your license status if you are unsure.

What if the online system rejects my request?

The online system rejects requests if your license has expired, if your identity cannot be verified through the security questions, or if there is a flag on your record. Try again in a few minutes — sometimes the system has temporary issues. If it keeps rejecting you, use the mail-in method or visit an office in person. Call DPS customer service if you want to know the specific reason your online request failed.