From vast arid land to majestic horses running through the terrain, the state of Texas is known for many things apart from what we usually see in movies. Home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, and constantly ranking in the top 5 for its economy, the Lone Star State is catching up with the country.

People also move to Texas for its ample opportunities and low cost of living. And while moving through the heat can be a great challenge, the feeling of sipping cold beer once you’ve settled in is unparalleled.

We don’t want to be party-poopers, but there’s a major job to be done once you move that’s time-bound – registering your vehicle and changing your address on your driver’s license! There’s nothing to stress about though since we’ve put it all down here for you, in detail and without any complexities.

Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving to Texas From Another State

Now that you’re looking into the process of changing your addresses, you’re off to a good start. It’s best to read through the details thoroughly and start keeping a check of all documentation that’ll be necessary so that you won’t be running around later.

Let’s go step by step.

1. Register Your Vehicle In Texas

The good news is that to register your vehicle, you have a period of 90 days to do so. But, we recommend you start the process as soon as possible, since state administration is not always reliable.

Register your vehicle by first visiting the nearest Texas DPS with your vehicle. Here, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will first inspect your vehicle. You will also have to carry the following documents with you:

  • Vehicle inspection proof
  • Proof of liability insurance. You have to be covered adequately so visit the state DMV website to learn more about their insurance requirements.
  • Recent registration certificate or a renewal notice
  • Car title/proof of ownership
  • The form 130-U which is the application for Texas title/Registration

You will also need to provide an odometer reading if your vehicle is more than 10 years old. When it comes to fees, the state DMV charges $50 if your vehicle is a passenger vehicle. Additional fees include an inspection fee of $30, and a title application fee of $33. These fees might vary depending on the county you’ve moved to and the taxes and processing fees they apply.

Note: Your vehicle can also be registered at your county’s tax assessor’s or collector’s office. Check the state website for further details.

2. Apply For A Change Of Address

Now that registration is out of the way, it’s time to get to the actual part – changing the address on your driver’s license. Unlike the registration period, you have 30 days to notify the DMV about the change of address.

Unlike other states where applications can be done in any DMV office, in Texas you have to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). To find one near you, you can check the state DPS website.

When you visit the DPS office, you need to carry the following documents with you, so keep them ready:

  1. Your current out-of-state driver’s license. This will have to be handed over to the Texas DMV.
  2. Documents that prove your identity like your Social Security Card. You can find a list of acceptable documents here.
  3. Texas residency proof that could include a Birth Certificate, US passport, Permanent Resident card (I-551) among others which you can also find on the website.
  4. Proof of insurance
  5. Your vehicle’s registration

Your new license will be mailed to you while for the time being, a temporary license will be given that you can use to drive around the state.

See also: How to Change Your Address and Forward Your Mail When You Move?

When it comes to costs, if you’re under 18, you’ll be charged $16 for your license and $18 if you’re older up until the age of 84. Applicants older than older than 85 will only have to pay $9 for their license.

How do I speak to a person at Texas DPS?

Yes you can. You just have to dial 1-512-424-2000 and stay on the line. You will be put in touch with a customer service agent at the state DMV.

Can you go to Texas DPS without appointment?

Yes, you can, but you will have to use a self-service kiosk to schedule an appointment for yourself, either on the same day or for another day if no slots are available.

Are Texas DMV open on Saturday?

Currently, the Texas DMV also offers renewals and replacements on Saturdays.

How long can you drive in Texas with a foreign license?

You can drive within the state of Texas with a valid foreign license for a year until you become a resident or your license expires, whichever takes place first.

See also: Moving to Texas – Relocation Guide | Top 10 Cities of Texas

Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within Texas

As you’ve already seen, the Texas DMV gives a much longer period to get your addresses on your driver’s license changed as compared to most other American states. While many things are similar, it’s best to thoroughly go through the details in advance. The most important detail to keep in mind though is that for updating your address on your license, the state gives you 30 days, whereas you have a period of 90 days to update your vehicle registration.

There are four ways in which you can update your address when you move within Texas so you can decide to go with what suits you best.

1. Online

Want to save time because you have too much on your plate? You can get the address of your driver’s license changed and vehicle registration done online when you move within the Lone Star State.

To get the address on your driver’s license updated:

You need to register online, fill the Change of Address form and submit. You’ll be provided a temporary license that you can print and use to drive around the state, till a physical driver’s license arrives by mail. Also, you will be asked to pay a fee of $11 for your updated license.

Keep the following details with you when you’re doing the process online:

  1. Your current driver’s license or Texas non-driver ID card
  2. The last four digits of your social security number
  3. A credit card to make the payment

To update your registration:

The same steps apply when you want to change the address on your registration, so visit the state DMV website for the process. But, the documents you need to have will be different:

  1. Your license plate number
  2. Current Texas driver’s license of non-driver ID card
  3. Your VIN which is the Vehicle Identification Pin

Note: You can also get the address on your registration updated in-person by visiting the local Tax office in your county.

2. Via mail

Not a fan of the online method? Sending your form for a change of address via mail is extremely simple. Download and print the Change of Address form (DL-64), fill it and mail it to the following address with a $10 fee:

Texas Department of Public Safety, PO Box 149008, Austin, Texas, 78714-9008

Note that you will have to pay for the postage fee as well

3. In-Person

Many of us like to get things done in-person, which you can do in this scenario as well. Just locate a DPS office that’s close to you and fill the Change of Address form. Like we’ve mentioned before, the Texas DMV issues a new driver’s license, which will reach you via mail.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver’s license?

Once your form is filled and transaction complete, you will get your license within a period of weeks.

4. Over Call

You can also change the address on your Texas driver’s license via call by calling their Renewal Service line at 1-866-357-3639. But, not everyone is eligible to do this via call, so you have to be between 18 years to 74 years. Also, you must not have any withstanding traffic tickets or a warrant issued against you.

When You’re Moving Out Of Texas

While your concentration might be only on what needs to be done once you move to another state out of Texas, there are usually things you need to take care of in your current home state too. When it comes to the Texas DMV though, things are pretty easy since there’s absolutely nothing you need to do. You read that right, the Texas DMV doesn’t require that you notify them about moving from the state or the change of address. You don’t even need to give them your license plates. What about your Texas driver’s license? They take care of that for you too. As soon as you get a new license in the state you move to, your older Texas driver’s license gets cancelled automatically! Great right?

See also: Best Out of State Movers in the U.S.

Is It Illegal To Not Change Your Address When You Move?


If you don’t change your address when you move on important documents, not only will it cause great inconvenience, but it is also penalized in numerous states with fines and even jail time. Your old address might result in confusion for government and insurance bodies that want to send stuff across, but reach the wrong people.

The process of updating your address isn’t as long and tedious and it can also save you much time in the future since you might need your driver’s license for purposes like establishing your domicile, voter registration, and taxes. Your driver’s license is also used by the police in case of unfortunate road accidents or traffic violations to identify you.

Conclusion

Don’t keep something as simple as changing your address till the end of the time period that the state of Texas gives you. Even though the time period might seem long, it’s best to get this done as soon as possible since the process isn’t as complicated as you might think. At the same time, it’s recommended you keep buffer time to get such important work done always. The state’s website has every detail about the process as well, so we recommend you take a thorough look at everything you’ll need and will have to do.