You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website in about 10 minutes
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your driver's license address without visiting a driver's license office. You go to the DPS website, enter your driver's license number and personal details, confirm your new address, and pay a $5 fee with a debit or credit card. The change takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical card still shows the old address until it expires or you renew it.
This online method works only if your license is valid and you are not changing your name, vision status, or other information beyond your street address. If you need to change anything else, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change costs $5 and takes about 10 minutes through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.
- Your address updates in the system right away, but your physical card keeps the old address until you renew your license.
- You need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the process.
- The online option only works if your license is valid and you are not changing your name or other personal details.
- If you move to a different county, you can still use the online method — it does not matter where you live now.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the $5 fee. Have your new address written down exactly as you want it to appear — street number, street name, apartment or unit number if you have one, city, state, and ZIP code.
Make sure your driver's license is not expired. If it is, you cannot use the online method and will need to visit a driver's license office to renew it and change your address at the same time.
The step-by-step process on the DPS website
Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the link labeled "Online Services" or "Change Address." Click on the address change option. The site will ask you to enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Double-check these details — if you enter them wrong, the system will not find your record.
Once the system pulls up your record, you will see your current address on file. Enter your new address in the fields provided. Make sure the spelling and numbers are correct, because this is what will show up in the DPS database. Review the address one more time before moving forward.
The system will then ask you to confirm the change and show you the $5 fee. Enter your debit or credit card information and complete the payment. You will get a confirmation number on the screen — write it down or take a screenshot. The address change is now complete in the DPS system.
What happens after you submit the change
Your new address is active in the Texas DPS database when ready. If a police officer runs your license, they will see your updated address. However, your physical driver's license card still shows your old address until you renew it. You do not need to do anything else — you can use your license as is.
When your license comes up for renewal (usually every 8 years), you will get a new card with your current address printed on it. If you move again before then, you can change your address online as many times as you need to.
When you cannot use the online method
The online address change does not work if your driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. It also does not work if you are changing your name, adding or removing a Real ID designation, updating your vision status, or changing any information besides your street address.
If any of these explore to you, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your ZIP code. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and any other documents the office requires for your specific change.
Proof of address if you need it later
Some situations — opening a bank account, signing a lease, or updating your voter registration — may require proof of your current address. Your old physical license card will not work for these. Instead, you can print a confirmation of your address change from the DPS website if you saved your confirmation number, or you can bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement that shows your new address.
If you need an official document that shows your address has changed, you can request a duplicate license with your new address by visiting a driver's license office. This costs $11 and takes a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move within Texas?
You are not required to change your address when ready, but it is a good idea to do so. Your license is your primary ID, and having an outdated address can cause problems with law enforcement, voter registration, and mail delivery. The online change takes 10 minutes and costs $5, so most people update it right after they move.
What if I move out of Texas?
If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You cannot keep your Texas license and just change the address. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their process.
Can I change my address online if my license is suspended?
No. The online system only works for valid, active licenses. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person and bring documentation of your suspension status and your new address.
How long does it take for the change to show up?
The change is active in the DPS system when ready after you complete the online transaction. If a police officer runs your license that same day, they will see your new address. Your physical card will not change until you renew your license.
What if I made a mistake when I entered my new address?
You can change your address again online as many times as you need to. Go back to the DPS website, enter your information, and submit the correct address. Each change costs $5. If you need to fix it before you leave the website, contact the DPS customer service line for guidance on reversing the transaction.