You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license, and the fastest route is the online system. You go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and submit your new address. The change takes effect when ready in their system, though your physical card still shows the old address — that does not matter for most purposes.

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a DPS office in person. The mail route takes longer (usually two to three weeks for processing), and the in-person route means waiting in line but gives you a receipt on the spot. All three methods are free.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and takes effect when ready, though your physical card will not update until you renew your license.
  • You need your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address to change your address online.
  • If you mail the change, use Form DL-43 and send it to the DPS address listed on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • An in-person change at any DPS office requires your driver's license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a link to update your address without renewing your license. Click it and log in using your driver's license number and date of birth. Enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit.

Once you submit, the change is recorded in the DPS database right away. Law enforcement, courts, and other agencies that check your license will see your new address. Your physical card will still show your old address, but that does not prevent you from using it — the address on the card is not what the system checks.

Keep the confirmation page or email DPS sends you. You do not need it for most situations, but it proves you made the change if anyone questions the mismatch between your card and the system.

Mailing a change using Form DL-43

If you want to change your address by mail, read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office to request it. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, and new address. You do not need to sign it — DPS does not require a signature for address-only changes.

Mail the form to the address listed on the form itself. DPS processes mail changes in the order they arrive, which usually takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; the change straightforward appears in their system once it is processed.

This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail, but it is slower than the online option. There is no cost.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your new address. Some offices accept a letter from a government agency or employer on letterhead.

Tell the clerk you want to update your address only, not renew your license. They will verify your identity, check your proof of address, and process the change on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing the change was made. The update appears in the system when ready.

In-person changes are useful if you need a receipt right away or if you have questions the clerk can answer. The downside is wait times, which vary by office and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or rental agreement works even if it is older, as long as it is still active. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also works.

If you do not have any of those, a bank or credit card statement with your new address will work. Some offices accept a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead, though policies vary by office. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

You cannot use a piece of mail addressed to you at your new address unless it is from a utility company, bank, or government agency. Personal letters do not count.

When your address change takes effect and what it affects

The address change takes effect in the DPS system the moment you submit it online, mail it, or complete it in person. Police officers, courts, and government agencies that look up your license will see your new address when ready. Voter registration, vehicle registration, and insurance companies do not automatically update — you need to contact them separately.

Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person when your license expires, and the new card will have your current address. Until then, the mismatch between your card and the system does not cause problems for most purposes.

If you move again before your license expires, you can update your address again using any of the three methods. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address with my car insurance and vehicle registration too?

Yes. Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance. Contact your insurance company and the Texas DMV separately to change those records. Your vehicle registration can be updated online through the Texas DMV website if your address change is recent.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease yet?

If you just moved and do not have a 90-day-old document, ask your landlord or property manager for a letter on letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DPS offices accept this in place of a utility bill. Call your local office first to confirm they will take it.

Can I change my address online if I do not remember my driver's license number?

The online system requires your driver's license number and date of birth to log in. If you do not remember your number, use the mail or in-person method instead. You can also call the DPS to ask for your license number before you go online.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance rates?

Changing your address in the DPS system does not affect your driving record or how insurance companies rate you. Your driving history stays the same. Insurance rates can change based on your location, but that is a separate decision your insurance company makes — it is not caused by updating your license address.

How long does it take to change my address if I do it online?

Online changes take effect when ready. The system updates as soon as you submit the form. If you mail the change, it takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are processed on the spot.