30 days to notify - address change question

[Sangiovese]

I tried a search and looked through several threads about address changes, but didn't see anything that addressed my specific question... so my apologies if this has been covered.

I recently bought a new house and moved in about a week ago. On the day I moved in, I went online and updated my address for both my driver's license and CHL.

Unfortunately, with the current processing times, I think it might take a while for my new plastic to arrive. So I expect my driver's license to arrive ahead of the CHL.

That brings me to my question. If I am in a situation where I show both my licenses and the officer notices the addresses do not match and inquires about it... am I ok since I have notified DPS and am just waiting on the license with my new address?

I know that for a renewal, I would be in violation if I carried after it expires - but this is a horse of a different color since my license is still valid, and just has an outdated address. My thought is that I am ok since the only thing I see in the law is a requirement to notify DPS within 30 days - which has been done.

Any thoughts?

[seamusTX]

I agree with your analysis. You are obligated to notify DPS of your change of address within 30 days. DPS has no obligation on how soon they issue a replacement license.

Also, the penalty for failing to notify DPS is a possible suspension of your license. For that to happen, the officer would have to swear an affidavit to DPS. They would probably figure out that they had received your address change before the affidavit.

Police officers are generally understanding about this kind of thing. I've seen people who moved here driving around for years with out-of-state plates and not being hassled about it.

- Jim

[Sangiovese]

Thanks for the response.

Along the same lines... why the heck does it cost $25 bucks to change the address on a CHL, and only $10 for the driver's license?

That doesn't need an answer... just wanted to rant about it!

[KC5AV]

They don't want you to move... it makes it easier for them to keep tabs on you if you stay in one place.

... now where's that tin foil hat.