Where to update your address with Texas DPS

Texas Department of Public Safety handles address changes for driver licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing — but it only works if your license or ID is not expired and you have not changed your name.

If your license or ID is expired, your name has changed, or you need to update vehicle registration, you must visit a DPS office or mail in a form. DPS offices are located in most Texas counties, and you can find your nearest location on the DPS website by entering your zip code.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address updates through the DPS website work only for valid (not expired) driver licenses and ID cards, and take effect within one to two business days.
  • If your license or ID is expired or you have changed your name, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail a completed form with proof of your new address.
  • Vehicle registration address changes require a visit to a DPS office or county tax assessor-collector office, not an online update.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • DPS offices do not require an appointment for address changes, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Updating your driver license or ID card address online

The DPS website has a self-service tool for address changes that works if your driver license or ID card is currently valid. Go to the DPS online services page, select "Change Address," and enter your driver license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will then enter your new address and confirm the change.

The system will show you the new address before you submit, so you can catch typos. Once submitted, your address change takes effect within one to two business days. You do not need to pay a fee, and you do not receive a new card in the mail — your current card remains valid at your old address until it expires.

If the online tool rejects your request, it usually means your license or ID is expired, your name does not match DPS records exactly, or there is a hold on your account. In those cases, you will need to use the in-person or mail method.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office with your current driver license or ID card, proof of your new address, and proof of your identity. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — it must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. A utility bill in your name is the most common choice.

Tell the clerk you need an address change. They will update your record on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not pay a fee for an address change alone. If your license or ID is expired and you want to renew it at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a driver license or $16 for an ID card, though fees can change).

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait. Some offices are busier than others — a rural office might have no line, while an urban office might have a 30-minute to one-hour wait.

Updating your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from the DPS website, or call your local DPS office and ask them to mail it to you. Fill out the form with your current information and new address. Include a copy of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or similar) and a copy of your current driver license or ID card, front and back.

Mail the completed form and copies to the DPS office that serves your county. You can find the mailing address on the DPS website. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You do not pay a fee for the address change itself, but include a check or money order if you are renewing your license or ID at the same time.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call the DPS office to confirm they received your form.

Updating your vehicle registration address

Vehicle registration address changes are handled differently from driver license changes. You cannot update registration online through DPS. Instead, you must visit your county's tax assessor-collector office, which handles vehicle registration for that county.

Bring your vehicle registration certificate, proof of your new address (utility bill or similar), and your driver license or ID. The tax assessor-collector will update your address in the system. There is no fee for an address change. If your registration is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee, which varies by vehicle type and county.

If you have moved to a different county in Texas, you may also need to update your vehicle registration with the new county's tax assessor-collector. Some counties require re-registration when you move; others do not. Call your new county's tax assessor-collector office to ask whether you need to re-register.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you receive a traffic ticket or are stopped by police, your driver license will show your old address. This can cause confusion and may delay the officer's verification process, but it is not illegal. However, if you receive a citation by mail and it goes to your old address, you might miss the court date or important date to respond.

For vehicle registration, an outdated address can cause renewal notices to go to the wrong place. If you miss a renewal important date because the notice did not reach you, your registration can lapse and you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle. Updating your address promptly prevents this problem.

If you have moved out of state, you should update your address or surrender your Texas license and get a license in your new state. Keeping a Texas license after moving away can cause issues if you are pulled over in another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No, the online tool requires a valid license. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail a form. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. If you want to renew your license at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee.

How long does an address change take to show up in the system?

Online changes take one to two business days. In-person changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. If you need proof of your new address right away, get it done in person.

Do I get a new card when I change my address?

No. Your current driver license or ID card remains valid with your old address printed on it. You keep using the same card until it expires. When you renew, the new card will have your current address.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. A utility bill is the easiest option. A piece of mail from a government agency also works well.

Can I update my address at a county tax assessor-collector office instead of DPS?

No, not for driver licenses or ID cards. Tax assessor-collector offices handle vehicle registration only. For driver license or ID card changes, use the DPS website, a DPS office, or mail a form to DPS.