You can change your Texas driver's license address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address more than once in the past year
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without visiting a driver's license office, as long as you meet a few conditions. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive confirmation by email once the change is processed.
If your license has expired, if you have already changed your address once within the past 12 months, or if you need to change your name at the same time, you cannot use the online method. In those cases, you will need to visit a DPS driver's license office in person or renew your license by mail.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change works only if your license is current and you have not changed your address in the past year.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to start the process.
- The change is processed by mail, so allow 7 to 10 business days to receive your updated license.
- If you cannot use the online method, you can visit a DPS office in person or mail in a renewal process.
Steps to change your address online
Start by going to the Texas DPS website and locating the driver's license services section. Look for the link labeled "Change Address Online" or "Update Your Address." You will be taken to a form that asks for your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter this information exactly as it appears on your license.
Next, you will enter your new address and confirm your email address. Double-check both for accuracy before submitting, since errors can delay your new license. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.
The DPS will mail your updated license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during that time.
When you cannot use the online method
If your driver's license has expired, you must renew it before you can change your address online. You can renew by mail, in person at a DPS office, or through a third-party vendor like a tax assessor's office in some counties. Once your license is renewed, you can then use the online address change tool.
If you have already changed your address once in the past 12 months, the online system will not allow a second change. In this case, you must visit a DPS driver's license office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. The office will process the change on the spot, and you will receive your updated license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are also changing your name, you cannot use the online address change tool. Name changes require in-person verification and additional documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Visit your nearest DPS driver's license office with your current license and the document that supports your name change.
What to bring if you visit a DPS office instead
If you go in person to change your address, bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days. The document must show your name and new address.
You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document issued by a government agency that shows your Social Security number. The DPS office will process your change while you wait, and you will leave with a receipt. Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How long the process takes
Online address changes are processed by mail, not when ready. After you submit your form, the DPS mails your updated license to your new address. This typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are errors in the information you provided.
If you visit a DPS office in person, the process is faster for the initial step — the office staff will process your change while you wait and give you a receipt. However, you still must wait 7 to 10 business days for the updated license to arrive by mail. In-person visits do not result in an when ready license; they only speed up the verification step.
Proof of residency you can use
The DPS accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the past 90 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord also works. A mortgage statement, property tax statement, or homeowner's insurance policy showing your name and address are all acceptable.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (such as tax documents or jury duty notices) can also serve as proof of residency if they show your name and new address and are dated within the past 90 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency.
What happens if you make a mistake on the form
If you notice an error in your address after you submit the online form, contact the DPS driver's license office in your county as soon as possible. Provide your confirmation number and explain the mistake. The office may be able to correct it before your license is mailed, but this depends on how quickly you catch the error.
If your updated license arrives with the wrong address, do not use it for official purposes. Instead, visit a DPS driver's license office in person with your incorrect license and proof of your correct address. The office will issue a corrected license, and you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for correcting an error made by the DPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license expires soon?
No. Your license must be current (not expired) to use the online address change tool. If your license expires within the next few months, you should renew it at the same time you change your address. You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or through certain third-party vendors, and you can request an address change during that process.
What if I moved out of state?
If you moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state rather than updating your Texas address. Once you have a new state's license, you can surrender your Texas license. If you moved out of state but still need a Texas license for work or other reasons, you can update your address online as long as you meet the other requirements.
How do I know if I have already changed my address in the past year?
If you are unsure, contact the DPS driver's license office in your county by phone. They can look up your license record and tell you when your last address change was processed. If you changed it within the past 12 months, you will need to visit an office in person for your next change.
Do I need to update my address with my vehicle registration too?
Yes. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can do this online at the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor's office.
What if the online form will not accept my information?
If the system rejects your information, it usually means the data you entered does not match what is on file with the DPS. Double-check your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth for typos. If the information is correct and the system still will not accept it, visit a DPS driver's license office in person to change your address.