You can change your Texas driver license address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address on your driver license or ID card through their online portal. You do not need to visit a DPS office, pay a fee, or get a new card printed — the change takes effect when ready in their system. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have your current license number and a valid email address.
This online method works only for address changes. If you need to renew your license, change your name, or update other information, you will need to use a different process or visit an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online at the Texas DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- You will need your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
- The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, even though your physical card still shows the old address.
- Your new address will appear on your license the next time you renew it or get a replacement card.
- If you move out of state or need to change other information besides your address, you cannot use the online method.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and access to an email address you can check. You will also need to know your new address. The system does not accept P.O. boxes as a mailing address.
If you do not have your license number handy, you can find it on the front of your physical license. If you have lost your license or cannot locate the number, you will need to visit a DPS office or call them to look it up first.
Steps to change your address online
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver license services. You will be directed to enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information.
Once verified, you will enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and zip code — errors here can cause mail to be sent to the wrong place. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this email for your records, though you do not need to print it or bring it anywhere.
The change is active in the DPS system right away. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your updated address when ready when they scan your license. However, your physical card will still show your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card.
When your physical card will show the new address
Your driver license card itself will not be reprinted just because you changed your address. The old address will remain printed on the card until you renew your license at its regular expiration date or request a replacement card in person at a DPS office.
If you need the new address to appear on the physical card right away — for example, if you use your license as proof of residency for banking or housing — you can visit a DPS office and request a replacement card. There is a fee for a replacement card, typically around $11, though this varies by office and circumstances.
What happens if the online change does not work
The online system may reject your request if your identity information does not match what DPS has on file, if your license has expired more than two years ago, or if your license was suspended or revoked. If you get an error message, note what it says and visit a DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. Bring the original or a certified copy. The office staff can process the change in person and can also issue a replacement card with the new address if you need it when ready.
Address changes and vehicle registration
Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if your address has changed. The DMV has its own online renewal and change-of-address system.
Texas law does not require you to update your registration within a specific number of days after moving, but it is a good idea to do so to may support you receive renewal notices and other important mail. You can update your vehicle registration online at the same time you change your driver license address.
If you moved out of state
The online address change tool only works if you are moving to a different address within Texas. If you have moved to another state, you cannot use this method. You will need to visit a DPS office in Texas or contact them by phone to process an out-of-state address change, or you can wait until you renew your license in your new state.
Some states have reciprocal agreements with Texas, meaning they will honor your Texas license for a period of time after you move. Check with your new state's DMV to understand how long your Texas license remains valid and what you need to do to get a license in your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address online?
No. Changing your address through the online system is free. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement card with the new address printed on it.
How long does it take for the address change to show up?
The change is active in the DPS system when ready after you submit it. Law enforcement can see the new address right away when they scan your license. Your physical card will show the old address until you renew or request a replacement.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
It depends on how long it has been expired. If your license expired less than two years ago, you may be able to change your address online. If it expired more than two years ago, you will need to visit a DPS office to renew it and update your address at the same time.
What if I do not have an email address?
You will need an email address to receive the confirmation of your address change. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, or visit a DPS office in person to change your address without using email.
Will changing my driver license address affect my insurance?
Your insurance company may want to know about your address change, but updating your driver license does not automatically notify them. Contact your insurance company directly to report your move, as your address affects your rates and coverage.