You can update your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you change your address on your driver's license without renewing the whole license. The fastest route is online through the DPS website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If you need to update your address in person or by mail, the process takes longer but works the same way — you submit proof of your new address and the DPS updates your record.

You do not need a new photo or pay a fee to change your address alone. The address change stays on your existing license until it expires. When your license expires, you renew it with the address already updated.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the DPS website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • You must show proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days works.
  • In-person updates at a DPS office take about 30 minutes and require your current license, proof of address, and proof of residency in Texas.
  • Mail-in address changes take two to three weeks and require the same documents as in-person, sent to the DPS address on their website.
  • You do not pay a fee for an address change alone, but you will pay when you renew your license at its expiration date.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and find the "Change of Address" option under the driver's license section. 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.

Online changes work only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you are not a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder. If any of those explore to you, you must update your address in person or by mail instead. The online system processes your change within one business day, and your record updates when ready — you do not receive a new physical card.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof that you live in Texas. Proof of address means a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. Proof of residency can be the same document if it shows your Texas address.

Walk in during office hours; most offices do not take appointments for address changes. Wait times vary by location and time of day. The DPS employee will verify your documents, update your address in the system, and give you a receipt. Your license itself does not change — the address update is recorded in the DPS database and will print on your next renewal.

Updating your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from the Texas DPS website or request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Include a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 90 days) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks. The DPS will update your address in their system and send you a receipt by mail. Like the in-person method, your physical license does not change — the address update applies to your record and shows on your next renewal. Keep the receipt until you renew your license.

What counts as proof of your new address

Your proof of address must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, court document). A cell phone bill does not work. A letter from your employer or landlord on their letterhead does not work unless it is an official lease or mortgage document.

If you just moved and do not have a document yet in your new name at your new address, some DPS offices will accept a combination — for example, a lease agreement plus a utility bill in a roommate's name at the same address. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they will accept in your situation.

Address changes for commercial driver's license (CDL) holders

If you hold a CDL, you cannot change your address online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your new address (dated within 90 days), and proof of Texas residency. The process is the same as for a regular license, but the DPS must verify your CDL status in their system before updating your address.

CDL address changes are processed the same day at the office. Your physical CDL does not change — the address update is recorded and will appear on your next renewal or when you renew your medical certificate if that comes first.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your driver's license remains valid even if the address on it is wrong. You can still drive legally. However, if you are pulled over, the officer will see an outdated address, which can raise questions. More importantly, if you receive a traffic ticket or other legal notice, the court may send it to your old address and you might miss a important date without knowing.

When you renew your license, the DPS will ask for your current address. If you have not updated it beforehand, you can do so at renewal. Updating your address before renewal keeps your record current and prevents mail from going to the wrong place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I move within Texas?

Yes. Your driver's license is a Texas document, and the DPS tracks your current address for legal notices, voter registration, and vehicle registration. Update your address within a reasonable time after you move — there is no specific important date, but doing it within 30 days is standard practice.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first, then change the address. You can renew and update your address at the same DPS visit in person, or renew online and then change your address online afterward if your new license is issued.

What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?

If you still have your Texas license, you can update the address online or in person. If your license expired while you were out of state, you will need to renew it. Bring your out-of-state address documents and your new Texas address documents to a DPS office, and they will renew and update your address in one visit.

How long does it take to update my address online?

The online system processes your change within one business day. Your address updates in the DPS database when ready, though it may take a day for all systems to sync. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew.

Will I get a new driver's license card with my new address on it?

No. Address changes alone do not trigger a new card. Your current license stays the same. When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your updated address. If you need the new address to appear on your card before renewal, you would have to renew your license early, which costs a renewal fee.