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

You can change your address on your Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $11. If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you prefer to update in person, you can visit any DPS driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address.

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. Updating early prevents problems if you are pulled over or need to renew your license. The process is straightforward once you know which method works for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Online updates through the DPS website work only if your license is not expired and your name has not changed; the fee is $11 and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You must bring proof of your new address to any DPS office if you update in person, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Mail-in updates require sending your current license and proof of address to the DPS address on their website; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Texas requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving, though updating sooner protects you if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Update your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address Online" under the driver license services section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address.

After you enter your new address and pay the $11 fee by debit or credit card, DPS will mail you a new license with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time. This method works only if your license has not expired and you have not changed your name since it was issued.

Update your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy—photocopies alone are not accepted.

The office will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address-only change. If you need your new license faster, some offices offer a rush service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm your local office's hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.

Update your address by mail

If you cannot visit an office or use the online system, you can mail your current license and proof of your new address to the DPS address listed on their website. Include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and new address. DPS will process your request and mail back a new license within two to three weeks.

Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy of the proof of address you send, in case DPS needs to contact you. This method is slower than online or in-person updates, so use it only if the other options are not available to you.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail all work. Bank statements and credit card statements are also acceptable if they show your current address.

Documents must be originals or certified copies. A photograph or photocopy of a utility bill or lease will not be accepted at an office, though some offices may accept scanned or digital versions if you are updating by mail—call ahead to confirm. If you do not have any of these documents yet, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank to issue one in your name at your new address.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot update the address online. You must renew your license in person at a DPS office, which includes updating your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport).

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew online through the DPS website, and you can update your address during that renewal. The online renewal fee is $16, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your name has changed

If you have changed your name since your license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you cannot update your address online. You must visit a DPS office in person with your current license, proof of your new address, and documentation of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The office will issue a new license with both your updated name and address. There is no fee for a name change combined with an address change. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery of your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address before I move or after?

Texas law requires you to report your address change within 30 days after you move. You cannot update your address online before you move because DPS verifies your identity against your current address on file. Update as soon as you have proof of your new address, such as a lease or utility bill.

What happens if I do not update my address within 30 days?

Failing to report an address change is a misdemeanor traffic violation in Texas. More practically, if you are stopped by law enforcement, your license will show an outdated address, which can complicate the stop. Mail from DPS, voter registration, and other official documents will go to your old address.

Can I update my address if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can update in person at a DPS office or by mail without providing a Social Security number. The online system requires the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity verification, so that method is not available if you do not have one.

How long does it take to receive my new license after updating my address?

DPS mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days after processing your request, whether you update online, in person, or by mail. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need your new license faster, ask about rush processing when you visit an office in person.

Can I update my address at a different county's DPS office than where I got my license?

Yes. You can visit any Texas DPS driver license office to update your address, regardless of which county issued your license. Find the nearest office on the DPS website and call ahead to confirm hours and whether appointments are required.