Quick Address Change Question.

[shortysboy09]

As of Saturday I will be permanently moving to Mckinney from Rowlett on June 1st to be closer to my job. Do I need to change my DL and CHL address now? Or wait until I physically move to Mckinney? The DL change doesn't bother me I just don't want my CHL being suspended if I'm supposed to change the address now rather then wait till June. Thanks in advance!

[seamusTX]

You have to notify DPS within 30 days after you move (or change your name, etc.). [GC §411.181]

- Jim

[shortysboy09]

Okay, thanks Jim. I will let them know in June then.

[seamusTX]

You're welcome.

BTW, since the DL change seems to come through in a week or two, and the CHL sometimes takes months (or used to in the bad old days), it might behoove you to save whatever paperwork you get to show that you made a timely effort.

A cop would have to be a real jerk to make an issue out of your DL and CHL not matching within a couple months. I've seen people around here who moved from out-of-state and did not change their registration for years. They don't seem to get hassled about it.

- Jim

[shortysboy09]

You're welcome.

BTW, since the DL change seems to come through in a week or two, and the CHL sometimes takes months (or used to in the bad old days), it might behoove you to save whatever paperwork you get to show that you made a timely effort.

A cop would have to be a real jerk to make an issue out of your DL and CHL not matching within a couple months. I've seen people around here who moved from out-of-state and did not change their registration for years. They don't seem to get hassled about it.

- Jim

I see, good information to know. I will keep a copy of where I applied for a CHL address change in my wallet for some back-up.

My CHL is still valid while I am waiting on my new one correct? Our instructor covered address change really quickly, but seems like I remember him saying it is okay to carry while waiting on the new license to arrive.

[seamusTX]

I see, good information to know. I will keep a copy of where I applied for a CHL address change in my wallet for some back-up.

If you do it online, you will have a web page to print out.

I don't know what happens when you do it in person. I wouldn't bother with that procedure. Why wait in line?

My CHL is still valid while I am waiting on my new one correct? Our instructor covered address change really quickly, but seems like I remember him saying it is okay to carry while waiting on the new license to arrive.

Yes. Your CHL would remain valid until such time as you were charged with failing to change your address (which I think would have to be intentional or negligent, but IANAL).

From what I've heard, the police give such a cursory examination to CHLs at traffic stops that they wouldn't notice if the name on the CHL was Donald Duck.

- Jim

[Drewthetexan]

I did a change of address online on the 30th of December, both CHL and DL. I recieved the new CHL something like 12 days later (if that, it was fast!). DL took about 3 weeks.

[seamusTX]

One other idea, if you want to be extra-cautious: Make a copy of your dated house deed or lease and carry that as evidence that you just moved.

However, I just don't think many cops would make a big deal out of this kind of thing.

- Jim

[Dave706]

I changed my address back in September. Surprisingly (after waiting almost 100 days to actually get my CHL), my new CHL with correct address was in my wallet in 12 days. My new DL took a little over 3 weeks.