How to Complete a DMV Change of Address in Texas

You can update your Texas address online, in-person, or by mail—but be sure you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen method.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Edited by Jessica Barrett
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Whether you’re new to the Lone Star State or moved from one city to another within the state, you can update your Texas address at the closest DMV. If you’re moving from within Texas, you can update your address by mail, in person, or online. 
  • You’ll have 30 days to update your address on your driver’s license or ID card if you’ve moved to or within Texas.
  • If you’re new to Texas, you can update your address at the closest Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • If you’re moving cities within Texas,  you can update your address online, by mail, or in person.
  • If you’ve changed your address, you’ll want to notify your insurance provider immediately—and you might see a change in your
    Texas insurance costs
    .

The easiest way: online

Updating your Texas address online is quick and easy:
After submitting, you can print a temporary license that is valid for 60 days while you wait for your new license to arrive.

If you need to speak to someone: by phone

If you’re moving within Texas and need to change your address but can’t do it online and don’t want to visit your local Texas DMV, you can reach the Texas Driver’s License Renewal Service at 1-866-357-3639.
Here are the eligibility requirements for updating your address over the phone:
  • Between the ages of 18 and 74
  • Active Texas driver’s license
  • No outstanding traffic tickets or warrants

The old-school way: by mail

If you’re not into completing forms online but don’t want to pop into your local DMV, you can go the old-school route—print and complete an
Application for Change of Address form
and mail it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). 
If you’re planning to do a street address change by mail, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: 
  • Your driver's license is valid
  • You have a non-commercial driver's license, Class C or CM, or Class A or B non-CDL driver's license
  • You are at least 18 years of age and you have a full driver's license
  • Your Social Security Number is already on file
  • You are a U.S. citizen
If you meet these requirements, you can send your completed application and $10 fee to the following mailing address:
Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 149008
Austin, Texas
78714-9008

Moving from out of state: in person

If you’re moving from another state, the Texas change of address process is more complicated. You must apply for a Texas driver’s license in person. 
To get started, gather your important documents, including your
Social Security card and proof of address
. These documents are essential for license applications. Make sure to provide documents that prove the following: 
  • Your identification
  • Your date of birth 
  • Your Social Security number
  • Citizenship or lawful presence
  • Your proof of Texas residency 
An important note: All applicants must present one piece of primary identification—like a current passport or a U.S. Citizenship Certificate—to satisfy identification and birthdate requirements. 
  • If you don’t have a primary ID, you can use one secondary identification (like a birth certificate) and two supporting identifications (like a driver’s license from another state or a voter registration card)
  • If you have no secondary ID, you can use two supporting IDs 
After you’ve assembled all your documents, head to your
local DMV
to apply for a new Texas driver’s license. The fees vary by age: 
  • 18-84: $33
  • 85+: $9
Remember to register your vehicle, too! You’ll need to visit a
certified Texas DPS inspection station
before registering your car at the
local county tax-assessor collector office
. You’ll have 30 days from when you moved to Texas to complete your vehicle registration in the state.

Notify your insurance company of your address change immediately

Don’t forget to inform your insurer of your new address to prevent an
insurance coverage lapse
If you’ve moved over state lines, the last thing you need is to get stopped for a minor traffic violation just to learn you don’t have the right coverage. 
  • Drivers must carry coverage that meets
    Texas car insurance minimums
  • If your coverage lapses due to forgetting to inform your insurance company, you may be fined and your license or registration could be suspended
Many insurance companies offer mobile apps or online portals where you can make essential updates like address changes. If you don’t have access to either an app or an online service portal, just call your agent! 
Remember: Insurance companies use your address to gauge your risk level and establish your
car insurance rate
. It could be considered fraud if you move and fail to inform your insurance company.

FAQs

Yes! Changing your address online in Texas is simple. Head to the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division in your internet browser and complete an online change of address form.
Texas law states that you have 30 days to update your address on your Texas driver’s license or REAL ID. You can do so online, in person, by phone, or by mail.
If you fail to change your address in Texas within 30 days of moving to a new residence, you could face a fine for a Class C Misdemeanor if you hit a traffic stop. If your insurer finds out the address on your Texas car insurance policy isn’t your current address, they can deny your claim or cancel your policy.
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