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. The online process takes about 10 minutes and the change shows up in the system when ready, though your physical card in the mail will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you prefer to update in person, you will need to visit a DPS driver license office instead. That process takes longer but handles more complex situations.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website works only if your current license is not expired and your name has not changed.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the online process.
  • A new physical license card with your updated address arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online change.
  • If your license is expired or your name has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person and may need to bring documents like a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
  • You do not pay a fee to change your address, whether you do it online or in person.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" under the driver's license services. You will be asked to 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 driving history.

Once you pass the identity check, you will enter your new address. Make sure the street address, city, state, and ZIP code are all correct before you submit. After you submit, the system will show you a confirmation number — write this down or take a screenshot. Your address change is complete at that moment, even though your new physical card has not arrived yet.

Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old card is still valid for driving and identification purposes, just with the old address printed on it. If you need proof of your address change before the new card arrives, you can print a confirmation from the DPS website using your confirmation number.

When you must visit a DPS office instead

If your driver's license is expired, you cannot use the online process. You will need to renew your license at the same time you change your address, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS driver license office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and any documents required for renewal based on your situation.

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you also cannot use the online address change. You must visit an office in person and bring your current license, a document proving your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address. The office will issue you a new license with both your updated name and address.

You should also visit an office in person if you want to change your address and make other updates at the same time, such as changing your organ donor status or updating your emergency contact information. While the online process handles address only, an office visit can handle multiple changes in one transaction.

Finding a DPS driver license office and what to bring

Search for DPS driver license offices near you at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Offices." The website shows office locations, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now require you to book an appointment online through the same website rather than walk in. Check your local office's policy before you go.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your name at the same time, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a Texas resident who was born outside the United States, you may need to bring additional documents; the office will tell you what is required when you book your appointment.

There is no fee to change your address. If you are also renewing your license because it is expired, the renewal fee applies, but the address change itself costs nothing. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the type of renewal; ask the staff which applies to your situation.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address change is processed — whether online or in person — the Texas DPS system updates when ready. Law enforcement, courts, and other agencies that check your license will see your new address right away. Your vehicle registration, insurance, and voter registration are separate systems and do not update automatically, so you will need to change those separately if required.

If you changed your address online, your new physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you changed it in person at an office, ask the staff when to expect your new card — some offices issue it on the spot, while others mail it. Until your new card arrives, your old card remains valid for driving and identification, even though the address on it is outdated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license expires soon?

If your license expires within the next few months, you can still change your address online if it is not yet expired. However, you may want to renew your license at the same time to avoid having to update your address again later. To renew and change your address together, visit a DPS office in person.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work. The document must show your name and your new address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not work, so bring one of the documents listed above.

Do I need to notify my insurance company after I change my address?

Yes, you should contact your auto insurance company separately to update your address. Your insurance policy is not connected to your driver's license, so the change does not happen automatically. Notify them as soon as your address changes to make sure your policy stays active and your rates reflect your correct location.

What if I move before my new license card arrives?

Contact the Texas DPS before you move and provide your new address. You can do this by calling the DPS or visiting an office. The DPS can redirect your card to your new address if you notify them in time. If your card arrives at your old address, the new resident or landlord may be able to mark it as undeliverable, and it will be returned to the DPS.

Can I change my address on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can change your address on your Texas driver's license regardless of citizenship status. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, you can use the online process if your license is not expired. If you were born outside the United States, you may need to bring additional documents when you visit an office in person; ask the DPS what documents are required for your situation.