Where to report your address change to Texas DPS
You report an address change to the Texas Department of Public Safety through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The fastest route is online at the DPS website — you can update your driver's license or ID card address without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer to handle it by mail or in person, both options work, but they take longer and require you to submit physical documents.
The online method works only if your driver's license or ID card is currently valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must visit a DPS office in person or send documents by mail. Texas has no single central office; you go to a DPS driver's license office in your county or a nearby county.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS website lets you change your address online for a valid driver's license or ID card, and the change is when ready.
- If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail documents to the address listed on the DPS website.
- You need your current driver's license or ID card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
- Changing your address with DPS does not automatically update your vehicle registration; you must handle vehicle registration separately with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, while in-person changes are completed the same day.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the DPS website and look for the "Driver's License" or "ID Card" section. You will find a link to update your address online. You will need your current driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information.
Once you log in and confirm your new address, the system shows you a summary of the change. Review it carefully — if your new address is wrong, you can correct it before submitting. After you submit, you receive a confirmation on screen. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires or you renew it.
This online method works only if your license or ID card is valid (not expired) and not under suspension or revocation. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 before attempting the online update.
Changing your address by mail
If you cannot use the online method, you can mail a change-of-address request to the DPS office that issued your license. You will need to include a completed form (available on the DPS website), a copy of your current driver's license or ID card, and proof of your new address.
Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other official document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. The DPS website lists the specific mailing address for your region. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the DPS system remains your old address.
Keep a copy of everything you mail. If your documents do not arrive or the DPS cannot read them, you may not receive confirmation that your change was processed. Sending documents by certified mail with return receipt gives you proof of delivery.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit a DPS driver's license office in your county. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or similar document dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether appointments are required.
The office staff will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update it in the system on the spot. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical card still shows the old address until you renew it, but your DPS record is updated right away. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
What happens to your vehicle registration when you change your DPS address
Changing your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. These are two separate systems. You must update your vehicle registration separately with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
To change your vehicle registration address, visit the Texas DMV website or go to an authorized county tax assessor-collector's office. You can also renew your registration and update your address at the same time. If you do not update your vehicle registration, renewal notices and registration documents will continue to go to your old address, and you may miss important important date.
Documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license or ID card number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number | when ready |
| By Mail | Completed form, copy of driver's license or ID card, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | Two to three weeks |
| In Person | Current driver's license or ID card, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | Same day (15 to 30 minutes) |
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your driver's license or ID card is expired, you cannot use the online method to change your address. You must either renew your license first (which you can do online if it has been expired for less than two years) or visit a DPS office in person. If you renew online, you can update your address as part of the renewal process.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address online or renew online. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office staff can tell you the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to resolve it. Changing your address does not lift a suspension, but it ensures your records are current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address with DPS if I only moved within Texas?
Yes. Any change of address — whether you moved across town or across the state — should be reported to DPS. Your driver's license and ID card are official identification documents, and keeping your address current helps may support you receive important notices and that your records are accurate.
How long does it take for my new address to show up in the DPS system?
If you change your address online, it takes effect when ready. If you mail your change, it typically takes two to three weeks. If you change it in person at a DPS office, it takes effect the same day. Your physical card will still show your old address until you renew it.
What if I moved out of state?
If you moved out of Texas, you should obtain a driver's license or ID card from your new state. You can keep your Texas license until it expires, but it will show an out-of-state address. Most states require you to obtain a new license within a certain period after moving. Check your new state's DMV website for their requirements.
Can I change my address if my license was lost or stolen?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to DPS and request a replacement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Once you receive your replacement license, you can update the address if needed. If your new address is different from your old one, you can provide it when you request the replacement.
Will changing my DPS address update my voter registration?
No. Changing your address with DPS does not automatically update your voter registration. You must update your voter registration separately with your county's voter registrar or through the Texas Secretary of State's website. You can also update your voter registration when you change your address with DPS if you do it in person at a DPS office that offers voter registration services.