Where to change your address on a Texas driver's license

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not need to visit an office. If you prefer to go in person or mail your request, you will need to bring or send your current driver's license and proof of your new address.

Texas lets you update your address without renewing your license, so you do not pay a renewal fee or get a new photo taken. Your current license stays valid; only the address changes. The change shows up in the system right away if you do it online, but takes longer by mail or in person because staff have to process it manually.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number and proof of your new address.
  • You can change your address in person at any DPS driver license office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
  • Mailing your request takes the longest but works if you cannot go online or visit an office — send your license and proof of address to the DPS.
  • You do not need to renew your license to change your address, so there is no fee and your current license remains valid.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

After you submit the form, you will need to upload or take a photo of proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or any government mail that shows your name and the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Once you upload it, the system processes your request when ready and your address updates in the DPS database.

Keep in mind that the online system is available 24 hours a day, but you may see a message that the service is temporarily down during scheduled maintenance, usually late at night. If that happens, try again in a few minutes or use one of the other methods.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS driver license office in Texas with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member you want to change your address, and they will update it on the spot. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend. Some DPS offices publish their current wait times online, so you can check before you go.

Bring the same proof of address you would use for the online method — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The staff member will look at it, confirm your new address, and update your record in the system right away.

Changing your address by mail

If you cannot go online or visit an office, you can mail your request to the Texas DPS. Send your current driver's license and a copy of proof of your new address to the address listed on the DPS website for address changes. Include a note with your new address written clearly, or the DPS will provide a form you can print and fill out.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks after the DPS receives your envelope. Your license will be returned to you with the address updated, or in some cases the DPS will send you a new license with the updated address at no charge. To track whether your request arrived, you can call the DPS customer service line, though they may not have details until staff have processed it.

Use certified mail or a service that provides tracking, so you have proof the DPS received your license. Regular mail sometimes gets lost, and you do not want to lose your driver's license in the mail. Keep a copy of the proof of address you send, in case the DPS asks you to resubmit it.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Texas DPS accepts several types of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works too, as long as it shows your name and the new address. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail like tax documents or voter registration cards are also acceptable.

The document must show your full name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, a signed lease agreement from your landlord or a mortgage closing statement will work. If you are staying with someone temporarily, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating you live there may work, but call the DPS first to confirm.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated, your driver's license is still valid and you can use it for identification. The new address appears in the DPS system when ready if you changed it online, or within a few days if you did it in person. If you changed it by mail, the update takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Your vehicle registration and insurance should also reflect your new address. The DPS address change does not automatically update those records, so contact your insurance company and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles separately if you want those changed too. Some insurance companies update your address automatically if they have access to the DPS system, but it is safer to call and confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can change your address on an expired license. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the DPS or visit a driver license office to find out whether your license can be updated or needs to be renewed.

Do I need to change my address if I move within the same city?

No, you are not required to change your address on your driver's license. However, it is a good idea to do so because your license is an official form of identification and should match where you actually live. Some places may ask for a current address when you use your license.

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

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed lease from your landlord, a mortgage closing statement, or a notarized letter from the homeowner stating you live there may work. Call the DPS to ask what documents they will accept in your situation before you try to change your address.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your address updates in the DPS system when ready after you submit the form and upload your proof of address. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No, you must change your own address. If you go in person, you have to be there with your license. If you do it online, you have to enter your own information. If you cannot do either, mailing your license with a signed note is your only option, but you are responsible for what happens to your license in the mail.