What you need to do when you move in Texas

You must update your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) within 30 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not optional. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — the online method is fastest and costs nothing.

Your driver's license itself does not need to be replaced unless you want a new physical card with your new address printed on it. You can keep your current license and just update the address in the system. However, if you want the card to show your new address, you will need to pay a replacement fee and go through the renewal process.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas law requires you to report a move to DPS within 30 days, even if you do not replace your physical license card.
  • The fastest way to update your address is online through the DPS website, which takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
  • If you want a new license card printed with your new address, you will pay a replacement fee and must explore in person or by mail.
  • Your vehicle registration address should be updated separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days as well.

Update your address online through DPS

The online method is the simplest route if you only need to change your address in the system. Go to the Texas DPS website and use their online address change tool. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and update your record when ready.

This online update does not issue you a new physical card — your current license remains valid even though the address on it is now outdated. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your correct address in the system when they scan your license. There is no fee for this update, and it satisfies the 30-day legal requirement.

Get a replacement license card with your new address

If you want a new physical card printed with your new address, you must explore for a replacement license. You can do this by mail or in person at a DPS office. The replacement fee varies but is typically under $30. You will need to submit your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks. In-person replacement is faster — you can often walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill in your name is the most common choice. A signed lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy showing your new address also works. Government mail — such as a tax document or voter registration card — counts if it shows your name and address and is dated within 30 days of your process.

If you cannot obtain any of these documents quickly, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept. Some offices may accept a notarized statement from a landlord or a letter from a shelter or transitional housing program if you are in temporary housing. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they will take.

Update your vehicle registration address separately

Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are tracked separately. You must update both within 30 days of moving. Update your vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through DPS. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

To update your registration online, visit the Texas DMV website and use their online services portal. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. There is no fee to change your address. If you prefer to do it by mail, send a completed form with proof of your new address to the address listed on your registration renewal notice.

In-person address change at a DPS office

If you prefer to handle this in person, visit any DPS driver license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times if available.

Tell the clerk whether you want to update your address only or replace your license card with your new address printed on it. If you only want an address update, the process takes a few minutes and costs nothing. If you want a replacement card, you will pay the replacement fee, provide the required documents, and receive a temporary license on the spot.

What happens if you do not update your address

Failing to update your address within 30 days is a violation of Texas Transportation Code Section 521.054. You can be cited for this offense, though enforcement is not automatic. More practically, an outdated address can cause problems: mail from DPS or the DMV may not reach you, vehicle registration renewal notices may go to your old address, and law enforcement may have difficulty locating you if needed.

If you receive a citation for not updating your address, you can contest it in traffic court or pay the fine. The best approach is to update your address as soon as you move, which takes only a few minutes online and costs nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online address change tool only works for valid licenses. If your license is expired, you must renew it first. You can renew online through the DPS website if you are not yet 85 years old and your license has not been expired for more than two years. Once renewed, you can then update your address online or request a replacement card with your new address during the renewal process.

Do I have to get a new license card when I move?

No. You only have to update your address in the system within 30 days. Your current license remains valid even if the address printed on it is outdated. Getting a new card with your new address is optional and costs a replacement fee. Many people straightforward update the address online and keep their current card.

How long does it take to update my address by mail?

Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. If you need a replacement card with your new address, the temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. For a faster update, use the online tool or visit a DPS office in person.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

You should update your address with DPS to reflect your new out-of-state address. However, Texas law requires you to obtain a driver's license from your new state within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days depending on the state. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their requirements. Once you have a license in your new state, you can let your Texas license expire or surrender it.

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

Not through the standard process. DPS requires proof of address dated within 30 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept. Some offices may accept a notarized letter from your landlord, a shelter verification letter, or other documentation. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will take.