How to Update Your Driver License Address in Texas

The fastest way to update your Texas driver license address

You can update your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver license office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If your license has expired, your name has changed, or you need to update other information at the same time, you will need to visit a DPS office in person or renew by mail.

Texas does not require you to update your address before a specific important date, but doing so keeps your official records current and ensures you receive mail from DPS and law enforcement at the right location. If you are moving soon, you can update your address before or after you move — either way works with the state.

Key Takeaways

The online address update through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and your name has not changed.
You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to update online.
If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you need to update your photo, you must visit a DPS office or renew by mail instead.
Updating your address does not require a new photo or a new license card — your current card remains valid.
The address change takes effect when ready online, though your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Online Services" option, then choose "Change Address." You will be asked to enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current record.

Once your identity is confirmed, you will enter your new address and confirm it is correct. You can then submit the change. The system will display a confirmation number — save or print this for your records. Your address change is recorded when ready in the DPS database, even though your physical license card still shows the old address.

This online method works only if your current license is not expired and your name matches the name on your license. If either of those conditions is not true, you cannot use the online system and must visit a DPS office or use the mail renewal process instead.

Visiting a DPS office to update your address in person

If you cannot update online, you can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas. Bring your current driver license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. Proof of identity can be your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. You do not need an appointment for an address change — walk-ins are accepted, though arriving early in the day or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

The office staff will update your address in the system while you are there. Your address change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a receipt. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but your official record with DPS is updated.

Renewing by mail and updating your address at the same time

If your license is expired or will expire within 60 days, you can renew by mail and update your address on the same process. Request a renewal process from the DPS website or call the DPS customer service line. Fill out the process, include your new address in the appropriate field, and mail it with a copy of your proof of address and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Your new license card will arrive by mail with your updated address printed on it. This method is useful if you are renewing anyway, but it is slower than updating online or in person if you only need to change your address.

When you cannot update your address online

The online address update system will not work if your license is expired, if your name has changed since you got your license, or if the system cannot verify your identity. In any of these cases, you must visit a DPS office or renew by mail.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A DPS office can update your name and address at the same time, or you can renew by mail with the name change document included.

If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam when you renew, depending on how long it has been expired. Check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm what you will need to bring.

What happens to your physical license card after you update your address

Your physical driver license card will continue to show your old address even after you update it in the DPS system. The card itself does not change — you do not receive a new card just for an address update. Your official record with DPS is updated when ready, and that is what law enforcement and government agencies see when they look up your information.

If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you can renew your license early. Early renewal costs the same as a regular renewal and gives you a new card with the current address. You do not have to wait until your license is about to expire to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can update your address before or after you move — Texas does not require it by a specific date. Many people update after they move so the address in the system matches where they actually live. There is no penalty for updating before or after.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

Proof of address must be dated within the last 30 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. If you have just moved and do not have a bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address. Some DPS offices will accept a signed letter from a property manager or landlord.

Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Updating your address with DPS does not change your driving record or affect your insurance rates. Your insurance company has your address on file separately, and you should notify them of your move directly. Your driving record stays the same — only your contact information changes.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

If you update online or in person at a DPS office, your address change is recorded when ready in the DPS database. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address right away. If you renew by mail, the change takes effect when your new license arrives, usually 4 to 6 weeks after you mail the process.

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

You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the status of your license. You can update online if your license is not expired, or visit a DPS office in person. If you need to reinstate your license, you can do that separately through DPS.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.