Where to Report Your Address Change in Texas

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) handles address changes for your driver's license and vehicle registration. You can report a change without visiting an office — online through the TxDMV website is the fastest route, and it takes about 10 minutes. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Texas driver's license office or vehicle registration office.

Texas law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving. This applies whether you own your vehicle outright or have a loan on it. The requirement covers both your driver's license and your vehicle registration, though you can update them separately if needed.

The online method works for most people, but some situations require an office visit — for example, if your license has been suspended or if you need to update information beyond just your address. The TxDMV website will tell you during the online process whether your case needs an in-person appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through the TxDMV website without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready for most people.
  • Texas law requires you to report your address change within 30 days of moving, for both your driver's license and vehicle registration.
  • You will need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current address to start an online change.
  • If you visit an office in person, bring your driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and vehicle registration if you are updating that too.
  • Address changes made online are free, but some in-person transactions may have a small fee depending on what else you update.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to the TxDMV website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask whether you want to update your driver's license, your vehicle registration, or both.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. The system will confirm the change and show you a confirmation number. Save or print this number in case you need to reference it later. The change is usually active when ready, though it can take a few business days to appear in all TxDMV systems.

If the online system tells you that your case requires an office visit, you will see a message explaining why and instructions for scheduling an appointment. This happens most often if your license status has changed or if you need to update information beyond your address.

Changing Your Address in Person

Visit any Texas driver's license office or vehicle registration office. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though some offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill dated within the last 30 days, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your new address on it.

If you are also updating your vehicle registration, bring your vehicle registration card and your vehicle identification number (VIN). The staff member will update your information in the system, and you will receive a new driver's license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your registration update is usually active when ready.

Office hours and locations vary by county. Use the TxDMV office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and check their hours before you go. Some rural counties have limited hours or may require you to visit a specific location.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

Texas accepts several documents as proof of residency for an address change. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 30 days is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works even if it is older. A government document with your new address — such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court document — also counts.

If you do not have any of these documents yet, you have a few options. Some people use a notarized letter from their landlord or a property manager stating that they live at the new address. You can also use a bank statement or credit card statement if it shows your new address, though not all offices accept these. Call the office you plan to visit and ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

If you are moving to a new address that is not yet in the TxDMV system — for example, a very new apartment complex — the office staff can usually add it manually. Bring whatever proof you have and explain the situation when you arrive.

Updating Your Vehicle Registration Separately

You can change your vehicle registration address without changing your driver's license, or vice versa. If you only need to update your registration, you can do it online through the TxDMV website or by mail. The online method is faster — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.

To change your registration by mail, send a letter to the TxDMV with your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, current registration number, and your new address. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Mail it to the address listed on your registration card. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail, compared to when ready processing online.

If your vehicle has a loan on it, the lienholder (your bank or finance company) may need to be notified of the address change as well. Check your loan documents or call your lender to confirm. The TxDMV address change does not automatically notify them.

Scams and Safety Issues to Watch For

Do not use third-party websites that claim to process your address change for a fee. The TxDMV website is free, and no legitimate service charges money to change your address. Websites with names similar to the official TxDMV site — such as "texasdmv.net" instead of "txdmv.gov" — are often scams designed to steal your personal information or payment details.

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the TxDMV asking you to verify your address or update your information. The TxDMV does not send unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal information. If you receive one, do not click any links or provide any information. Go directly to the official TxDMV website instead.

When you visit an office in person, never give your Social Security number or driver's license number to anyone outside the office. Staff members will ask for this information at the counter, but scammers sometimes pose as office workers in the parking lot or waiting area. Only provide information to uniformed staff members inside the office.

What Happens If You Do Not Report Your Address Change

If you move and do not update your address with the TxDMV, your renewal notices and vehicle registration documents will go to your old address. This means you might miss a renewal important date and your license or registration could expire without you knowing. You can still renew after expiration, but you may face a late fee.

More importantly, if you are pulled over by law enforcement and your address on your license does not match where you actually live, you may be cited for failing to report a change of address. This is a traffic violation in Texas and can result in a fine. Updating your address within 30 days of moving prevents this.

If you have already moved and have not updated your address yet, do it as soon as you can. There is no penalty for being late as long as you report it eventually, and the process takes only a few minutes online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new driver's license in the mail?

If you change your address online, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you change it in person at an office, the timeline is the same. Your address change is active in the TxDMV system when ready, even before the physical card arrives.

Do I need to change my address if I am only moving within the same city?

Yes. Any change to your street address, apartment number, or zip code requires you to report it to the TxDMV within 30 days. The distance does not matter.

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

You can change your address online even if your license is expired. If the online system will not let you proceed, visit an office in person with your expired license and proof of your new address. The staff can update your address and renew your license at the same time.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas driver's license?

If you have moved to another state and plan to stay there, you should get a driver's license from that state instead of updating your Texas address. If you are moving back to Texas soon or keeping a Texas address for another reason, you can update it online or in person as usual.

Do I have to update my address if I moved to a temporary address?

If you are staying at a temporary address for less than 30 days, you do not have to report it. If you are staying longer than 30 days, you should report the address change. You can update it again later when you move to a permanent address.