Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) handles address changes for your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration separately. For your driver's license or ID card, you can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or by visiting a DPS office in person. For vehicle registration, you'll work with your county tax assessor-collector's office instead — DPS does not process registration address changes directly.

The fastest route is usually the online option for your driver's license or ID, which takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Address changes for registration require a visit or mailed form to your county office and may have a small fee depending on your county.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver's license and ID card address changes go through DPS; vehicle registration address changes go through your county tax assessor-collector's office.
  • You can update your DPS address online at the Texas DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • For vehicle registration, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office — the office location and process vary by county.
  • Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) if you update in person at a DPS office.
  • Address changes for registration may take one to two weeks to process by mail, depending on your county.

Updating your driver's license or ID card address online

Visit the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You'll find an option to update your address on your driver's license or ID card. You'll need your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.

Online updates are free and take effect when ready in the DPS system. You don't need to pay for a new card unless you want one — your current card remains valid even after you change your address. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one during the online process for a small fee (typically around $16, though this varies).

The online system is available 24 hours a day. If you run into trouble logging in or the system won't accept your information, you can try again later or use one of the other methods below.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The office will update your address on the spot, and you can request a replacement card with the new address if you want one.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but some offices offer online scheduling that can reduce your wait time.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The office locator shows hours, phone numbers, and services available at each location.

Updating your address by mail

You can mail a completed form to DPS to update your address. read the "Change of Address" form from the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office to request one by mail. Fill out the form with your current information and new address, sign it, and mail it to the address shown on the form.

Include a copy of proof of your new address with your mailed form — the same documents accepted in person work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail). Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You'll receive confirmation by mail when your address has been updated.

If you want a replacement card with your new address, you can request one on the form and include payment. Check the DPS website for the current replacement card fee and the mailing address for your region, as it may vary.

Updating your vehicle registration address

Vehicle registration address changes are handled by your county tax assessor-collector's office, not by DPS. Contact your county office directly — you can find the phone number and office location on your county's website or by searching "[your county name] tax assessor-collector."

Most counties let you update your registration address by phone, mail, or in person. You'll need your vehicle's license plate number, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and current registration. Some counties charge a small fee for address changes; others do not. The fee, if any, varies by county.

If you update by mail, send a letter with your vehicle information and new address to your county office. Include a copy of proof of your new address. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. If you update in person or by phone, the change is usually recorded when ready, though your new registration card may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

What happens if you don't update your address

If you move and don't update your DPS address, any renewal notices, tickets, or official mail will go to your old address. You may miss a driver's license renewal important date and end up with an expired license. For vehicle registration, mail sent to your old address could include renewal notices or violation notices that you won't see.

If you receive a ticket or court notice at your old address and don't respond because you never got it, a warrant can be issued for your arrest. Updating your address promptly prevents these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new driver's license card if I change my address?

No. Your current license remains valid after an address change. You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, but it's optional and costs a fee. The address change itself is free whether you get a new card or not.

How long does it take to update my address with DPS?

Online updates take effect when ready. In-person updates are recorded the same day. Mail takes two to three weeks. For vehicle registration through your county, mail takes one to two weeks; in-person or phone updates are usually recorded the same day.

What counts as proof of my new address?

Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) with your name and new address. The document should be recent — typically from the last 60 days.

Can I update my address if my driver's license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address online or in person even if your license is expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact DPS or visit an office to confirm what you need to do.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Texas, you should update your address to your new state address if you still hold a Texas license. However, you'll eventually need to get a license from your new state. Contact DPS or your new state's DMV for guidance on the timeline and process.