You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office
Texas allows you to update your driver license address without renewing the entire license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three routes: an online change through their website, a mail-in form, or an in-person visit to a DPS driver license office. Which route you use depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, how soon you need the change recorded, and whether you want a physical updated license in hand.
The fastest method is online if your license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner). The mail-in option takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person changes at a DPS office are when ready but involve waiting time. All three routes are free.
Key Takeaways
- Real ID-compliant Texas licenses can be updated online through the DPS website in minutes, with no fee or office visit required.
- Non-Real ID licenses must be changed by mail or in person; online changes are not available for these older licenses.
- You will need your current license number, new address, and a valid email or mailing address to complete any change method.
- An online or mail address change updates your driving record but does not issue a new physical card; you keep your current license until renewal.
- In-person changes at a DPS office produce an updated license card on the spot if you request one, though this may involve an additional fee.
Online address change for Real ID licenses
If your Texas driver license displays a gold star, you can change your address on the DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the Texas DPS online services portal, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You will be asked to confirm your current address and enter your new one. The system accepts Texas addresses only; if you are moving out of state, you must renew your license instead.
The online change is recorded when ready and updates the DPS database the same day. However, you do not receive a new physical license card. Your current card remains valid and shows your old address, but law enforcement and government agencies see your new address in the system. If you need a card that displays your new address, you must visit a DPS office and request a replacement card, which typically costs around $11.
You will need a valid email address to complete the online process, as DPS sends a confirmation to that email. Keep that confirmation for your records. The entire process takes five to ten minutes.
Mail-in address change using Form DL-43
Drivers with non-Real ID licenses or those who prefer not to use the online system can mail in a change using Form DL-43, the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only the address change section. Write your current license number, new address, and sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form to the Texas DPS address listed on the form (currently the DPS Driver License Division in Austin, though this may change). Include a copy of a document that shows your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. DPS will not process the change without this proof.
Processing time is typically two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You will not receive a new license card; your record is updated but your current card still shows the old address. If you need a replacement card with your new address, you must visit a DPS office in person.
In-person address change at a DPS office
You can walk into any Texas DPS driver license office and request an address change. Bring your current driver license and one document showing your name and new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement from the last 90 days). The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
The DPS employee will update your record on the spot. If you ask for a replacement license card showing your new address, you will pay a replacement fee (typically around $11) and receive the new card when ready. If you do not request a replacement card, the address change is free and your record is updated, but you keep your current card with the old address printed on it.
In-person changes are useful if you need the updated address recorded quickly or if you want a new card in hand the same day. However, they require you to find a DPS office near you during business hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find hours and locations near you.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Real ID only) | Driver license number, date of birth, valid email | Same day | Free |
| Mail-in | Form DL-43, driver license number, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | 2–3 weeks | Free |
| In-person | Current driver license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Same day | Free (or ~$11 for replacement card) |
Address changes when you move out of state
If you are relocating outside Texas, you cannot use the address change process. Instead, you must renew your Texas driver license before it expires, or you can surrender it and obtain a license in your new state. Texas does not issue licenses with out-of-state addresses.
If your Texas license has not yet expired and you move out of state, you have the option to keep it until expiration and obtain a new license in your new state when you are ready. However, if you plan to drive in your new state, that state's DMV will likely require you to obtain a license there within a set period (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's requirements before moving.
Updating your address with other agencies
Changing your driver license address with DPS does not automatically update your address with other government agencies or private companies. You will need to notify them separately. This includes the Texas voter registration system (contact your county clerk), the U.S. Postal Service (file a change of address form), your vehicle registration (update through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles), and any insurance companies, banks, or employers that have your address on file.
The DPS address change only affects your driving record and what appears in law enforcement databases. It does not change your voter registration, vehicle title, or insurance information. Plan to update those separately to avoid mail delays or missed notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license when I change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your license remains valid at its current expiration date. You only renew when your license expires or when you need to update other information like your name or photograph.
What if I do not have a document showing my new address?
DPS requires proof of your new address for mail-in and in-person changes. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you may be able to use other documents such as a government-issued ID with your new address, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy. Call your local DPS office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
Can I change my address online if my license is not Real ID-compliant?
No. The online change is only available for Real ID licenses, which display a gold star. If your license does not have the star, use the mail-in form or visit a DPS office in person.
Will my old license card still work after I change my address?
Yes. Your license remains valid and legal to use even though the address printed on it is outdated. Law enforcement and government agencies will see your new address in the DPS system. However, if you need the card itself to show your new address (for example, for a bank or apartment process), you must request a replacement card in person at a DPS office.
How long does it take to receive a replacement card with my new address?
If you request a replacement card in person at a DPS office, you receive it the same day. If you change your address online or by mail and later request a replacement card, you must visit an office in person to get it.