The fastest way to update your address with the Texas DMV
You can update your address with the Texas DMV online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not need an appointment. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
If you update online, the change takes effect when ready for your driver's license and ID card records. Your vehicle registration address updates separately and may take a few business days to process. Mail and in-person updates take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days — because staff must manually enter the information.
Key Takeaways
- The online address update at the Texas DMV website is the fastest method and requires only your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Your driver's license address and vehicle registration address are separate records, so changing one does not automatically change the other.
- If you do not have internet access or prefer to update in person, you can visit any Texas DMV office with your current ID and proof of your new address.
- Mail-in updates require a completed form and proof of address, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You must update your address within a certain timeframe after moving to keep your registration and license current with Texas law.
Updating your address online through the Texas DMV website
Go to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website and look for the "Online Services" section. Select the option to update your address or personal information. You will be asked to enter your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your current information before you enter your new address.
Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check for spelling errors, because the address will be printed on any replacement license you request later. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot. Your driver's license and ID card address updates when ready in the system, though your physical card will not change until you renew it.
Updating your vehicle registration address separately
Your vehicle registration is a separate record from your driver's license, so updating your license address does not change where your registration documents are mailed. To update your vehicle registration address, you can use the same Texas DMV online portal and select the vehicle registration update option, or you can mail a completed form to the address listed on your registration.
If you update your registration address online, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number ready. The system will ask you to confirm the vehicle and then enter your new address. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, and your next registration renewal notice will be mailed to the new address. If you prefer to mail the update, include a copy of your current registration and a letter stating your new address, then mail it to the address shown on your registration document.
Updating your address in person at a Texas DMV office
You can walk into any Texas DMV office during business hours without an appointment to update your address. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The staff will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record on the spot.
Your driver's license address updates when ready, and you will receive a confirmation receipt. If you also need to update your vehicle registration address, tell the staff member and they can process both at the same time. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Check the Texas DMV website for your nearest office location and hours before you go.
Updating your address by mail
If you cannot go online or visit an office, you can mail your address change to the Texas DMV. Request a change of address form from the Texas DMV website or call the main DMV line to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely with your current information and your new address, then include a copy of your current driver's license or ID card and one proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this varies by region in Texas. Include a note with your phone number or email in case the DMV needs to contact you about your submission. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; instead, your next registration renewal notice or license will reflect your new address.
What happens if you do not update your address on time
Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within a certain timeframe. If you move and do not update your address, your registration renewal notices and any official correspondence from the DMV will go to your old address, and you may miss important important date. This can result in an expired registration without you realizing it, which puts you at risk of a traffic stop and a citation.
Additionally, if you are involved in an accident or receive a traffic ticket, the citation or court notice may be mailed to your old address, and missing that important date can lead to a suspended license or a warrant. Updating your address promptly — ideally within 30 days of moving — keeps your records current and prevents these complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my address if I moved but kept the same city and ZIP code?
Yes. Even if you moved within the same city, you must update your street address with the DMV. Your registration and license should reflect your actual current address, and the DMV uses that address to mail renewal notices and official documents.
Can I update my address online if my license is expired?
You can update your address online using an expired license, as long as the license number and personal information you enter match the DMV's records. However, if your license is expired, you will need to renew it as well — you cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if your address is current.
How long does it take to receive a new license with my updated address?
Your address updates when ready in the DMV system when you change it online or in person, but your physical license card will not change until you renew your license. You do not need to request a new card just for an address change — the new address will be printed on your next renewal license.
What if I moved out of state but still own a vehicle registered in Texas?
You should update your address with the Texas DMV to reflect your new out-of-state address. However, if you plan to keep the vehicle registered in Texas long-term, you may eventually need to register it in your new state instead. Contact the DMV in your new state to understand their requirements.
Can someone else update my address for me?
No. You must update your own address using your personal information. If you cannot do it yourself, you can authorize someone to help you in person at a DMV office by bringing a signed letter of authorization along with your ID and proof of address, though policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.