You can update your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you change your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system at the 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 a driver's license office in person — both work, but mail takes longer.

Your address on file matters because it's what appears on your ID, what the state uses to contact you about license renewals, and what law enforcement sees during a traffic stop. Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within a reasonable time after you move, though there's no specific penalty listed for delay. The sooner you update, the sooner your new address is official.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and your new address appears in the system within one business day.
  • You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to use the online system.
  • If you mail the change, you'll send Form DL-43 to the DPS address listed on the form, and it typically takes two to three weeks to process.
  • Visiting a DPS office in person is the slowest option for address-only changes because you'll wait in line, but your change is recorded when ready.
  • Your physical license card itself does not change — only your address in the DPS database updates, so you don't need a new card unless you renew.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under the driver's license section. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and let you type in your new address.

Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this number — it's your proof that you submitted the change. Your new address appears in the DPS system within one business day, though your physical license card keeps your old address printed on it until you renew. For most purposes, the address in the DPS database is what matters: it's what law enforcement sees, what the state uses to mail you renewal notices, and what shows up when someone checks your license status online.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into an error message or the system won't accept your information, it usually means one of your three pieces of identifying information doesn't match what DPS has on file — double-check the spelling and format, or try again the next day in case the system is temporarily down.

Mailing a change-of-address form to DPS

If you don't want to use the online system, you can print and mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) directly to the Texas DPS. You'll find the form on the DPS website. Fill in your driver's license number, your current address, and your new address. You don't need to sign it, but you do need to include your driver's license number so DPS can match the form to your record.

Mail the form to the address listed on the form itself — DPS has a central processing center for mailed documents. Include nothing else unless DPS specifically asks you to. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope, though during busy periods it can take longer. You won't receive a confirmation in the mail; if you want proof your change went through, you can check your address in the DPS system online after two weeks, or call the DPS customer service line.

The mailed route is slower than online, but it works if you don't have internet access or prefer a paper trail. Keep a copy of the form for your records before you mail it.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas DPS driver's license office and ask to update your address. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The staff member will update your record in the system while you wait, and your change is effective when ready.

The downside is time: DPS offices often have long lines, especially in urban areas and on weekdays. You may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more depending on the office and time of day. If you're already at a DPS office for another reason (renewing your license, getting a new ID), you can ask to update your address at the same time at no extra cost.

Your physical license card does not change during an address-only update. Only your address in the DPS database updates. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo.

What counts as proof of your new address

If you're updating in person, DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Some offices also accept a government document like a voter registration card or property tax bill. Call the DPS office before you go if you're unsure whether your specific document will be accepted.

If you're updating online or by mail, you don't need to provide proof of address — DPS assumes you know your own address. The online system and the mailed form both just ask you to type or write your new address; there's no verification step.

When your new address takes effect

Online: Your new address appears in the DPS system within one business day. Your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew.

By mail: Your new address appears in the DPS system two to three weeks after DPS receives your form. Again, your physical card doesn't change.

In person: Your new address is in the system when ready after the staff member processes it. Your physical card doesn't change.

In all three cases, your address in the DPS database is what matters for official purposes. Law enforcement, the state, and anyone checking your license status online will see your new address. Your physical card is just a document you carry; it doesn't need to match the database for your address change to be valid.

What happens if you move and don't update

If you don't update your address, your license is still valid — it doesn't expire or become invalid just because you moved. However, the state will mail renewal notices and other documents to your old address, so you might miss them and accidentally let your license expire. During a traffic stop, an officer will see your old address on the license and in the system, which can cause confusion.

Texas law says you should notify DPS of an address change within a reasonable time, but there's no specific important date and no fine listed for not doing so. That said, it's worth updating soon after you move so the state can reach you about renewals and other important notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new physical license card after I change my address?

No. Your physical license card keeps your old address printed on it. Only the address in the DPS database updates. You only get a new card if you renew your license, which happens every eight years (or every five years if you're over 85). At renewal time, your new card will have your current address on it.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Your new address appears in the DPS system within one business day. You'll get a confirmation number when ready after you submit, which you can save or print as proof.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license is still a valid form of ID for address-change purposes. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license expired. However, you cannot drive legally with an expired license, so you may want to renew it at the same time.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Texas address?

If you've moved out of Texas permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Texas address. However, if you're keeping your Texas license (some people do for a period of time), you can update your address to your new out-of-state address through any of the three methods. DPS will accept an out-of-state address.

Can someone else update my address for me?

For online and mailed updates, no — you need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, which only you should have. For in-person updates, you must be present with your license and proof of address. DPS does not allow someone else to update your address on your behalf.