How to Change Your Address on a Texas Driver's License

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 renewing the entire license. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into any driver's license office in person. The method you choose depends on whether you have your current license handy and how soon you need the change recorded.

Address changes do not give you a new card — your current license stays valid with the old address printed on it, but DPS records your new address in their system. This matters because police, courts, and government agencies see the address in the DPS database, not the one on the physical card. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail; the change takes effect when ready once DPS processes it.

Key Takeaways

The online address change at the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option if you have your driver's license number and a recent mailing address on file.
Your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it, but DPS updates your address in their system right away so government agencies see the new one.
If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center or visit a driver's license office in person with your license and proof of your new address.
Proof of your new address usually means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address Online" option under the driver's license section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. There is no fee, and the change is recorded when ready.

The online system works only if your current address is already in the DPS database — meaning you have held a Texas license for at least a few months and have not moved since you got it. If you just moved to Texas from another state or just got your license, the online option may not work, and you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing a form to update your address

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill in your name, driver's license number, new address, and the date. You do not need to include proof of your new address when you mail it — DPS will update the address based on the form alone.

Mail the completed form to the DPS address shown on the form itself (this is the address processing center, not a local office). The change typically takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives it. Keep a copy of the form for your records, and consider using certified mail if you want proof it arrived. There is no fee for a mailed address change.

Updating your address in person at a driver's license office

Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address to any Texas driver's license office. Proof of address usually means a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or court notice) dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A bank statement or insurance document typically does not work.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update it in the system while you wait, and the change takes effect when ready. There is no fee. You do not get a new card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which costs money and takes longer.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your license remains valid for driving even if the address on it is outdated. However, DPS and other government agencies will have the wrong address on file. This can cause problems if you get a ticket (the citation may go to your old address), if you need to renew your license (DPS may mail renewal notices to the wrong place), or if you are involved in a legal matter.

Updating your address does not affect your license's expiration date or validity. It straightforward makes sure that official mail and records reach you at the right location. There is no penalty for having an outdated address on your license, but updating it prevents mail from going astray.

Updating your address if you just moved to Texas

If you recently moved to Texas from another state and still have an out-of-state license, you do not need to update anything on that license. Instead, you will need to get a Texas driver's license, which requires visiting a driver's license office with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number. Your new Texas license will have your current Texas address on it from the start.

If you already have a Texas license and just moved within the state, use one of the three methods above (online, mail, or in person) to update your address. You do not need to get a new license unless you want one with the updated address printed on the card itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. Your current license stays valid and keeps the old address printed on it. DPS updates your address in their system, which is what government agencies see. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you must renew your license, which costs money and requires a visit to a driver's license office.

How long does an address change take?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mailed forms take 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives them. In-person changes at a driver's license office take effect right away. The time depends on which method you use.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax document, court notice, voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days with your name and new address on it. Bank statements and insurance documents usually do not work. Ask the driver's license office clerk if you are unsure about a specific document.

Can I change my address online if I just moved to Texas?

The online system works only if you already have a Texas license and your previous address is in the DPS database. If you just moved to Texas from another state, you need to get a Texas license first by visiting a driver's license office in person.

What if my address change is rejected or does not go through?

If the online system does not work, try the mail or in-person method instead. If a mailed form is rejected, DPS will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a missing or illegible driver's license number. Contact your local driver's license office for help if you get a rejection notice.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.