Where and how to report your address change
You can change your address on your Texas driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online method is the fastest and requires no documents — you log in with your driver license number and date of birth, confirm your new address, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes.
If you choose to mail your change, send a completed DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) along with your current license to the DPS address listed on their website. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. In-person visits at a local DPS office are also available and usually process the same day, though you will need to bring your current license and proof of your new address.
Texas law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so does not invalidate your license, but it can create problems if you are pulled over — an officer may cite you for not updating your address on file. More practically, you will not receive renewal notices or official documents at your correct location.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the DPS website is free and when ready, requiring only your driver license number and date of birth.
- You must report your address change within 30 days of moving, though the license itself remains valid if you do not.
- Mailing your change takes two to three weeks; in-person visits at a DPS office usually process the same day.
- Proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) is required only if you change your address in person or by mail.
What documents you need for each method
For an online address change, you need nothing except your driver license number and date of birth. The DPS system will verify your identity using information already on file, and no documents are required.
If you change your address by mail, include your current driver license and a completed DL-43 form. You do not need to send proof of your new address with the mail-in form — the DPS accepts the form itself as your request.
For an in-person visit, bring your current driver license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.
Online address change through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address online. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or correct your new address.
After you submit your new address, the change is recorded when ready. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid, and the address on file with DPS is updated. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one through the same system, though there is a fee (currently around $16, though this varies).
The online method works only if your address change is within Texas. If you are moving out of state, you will need to obtain a license from your new state; Texas will not process an out-of-state address change.
Mailing your address change to DPS
read or request the DL-43 form from the DPS website. Fill in your name, driver license number, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it along with your current driver license to the address listed on the DPS website for address changes (this address is different from the main DPS office).
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your license returned to you. Without it, DPS will hold your license at their office, and you can pick it up in person or request it be mailed back at a later date. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form.
Keep a copy of your DL-43 form for your records. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received your form.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Locate your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the specific office's hours and policies before you go, as they vary by location.
Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 90 days. Tell the clerk you are changing your address. They will update your information in the system, and the change takes effect when ready. You can request a new license card with your updated address printed on it; there is a fee for this (currently around $16).
If you do not request a new card, your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the address on file with DPS will be updated. This is sufficient for most purposes, including vehicle registration and voting.
What happens if you move out of state
Texas DPS will not process an address change to another state. If you are moving out of Texas, you should obtain a driver license from your new state instead. You can keep your Texas license as a valid ID, but you cannot update the address on file with DPS to an out-of-state location.
Before you move, check your new state's requirements for obtaining a license. Most states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you explore for a new one, though some allow you to keep it. You typically have 30 to 60 days after moving to obtain a license in your new state, depending on that state's law.
Common issues and what to do about them
If you change your address online but do not receive renewal notices at your new address, contact DPS to confirm the change was recorded. Sometimes the system updates the DPS database but takes longer to sync with the mail vendor who sends renewal notices. A phone call to DPS can speed this up.
If you moved but your vehicle registration still shows your old address, you need to update that separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A driver license address change does not automatically update your vehicle registration. Contact your local county tax assessor-collector's office or use the online system at the Texas DMV website.
If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, explain that you have reported the change to DPS. An officer may still cite you if more than 30 days have passed since you moved, but you can contest the citation by showing proof that you reported the change within the required timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new license card if I change my address?
No. Your current license card remains valid even if the address printed on it is outdated. The address on file with DPS is what matters for official purposes. You can request a new card with your updated address for a fee, but it is not required.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes effect when ready. Your new address is recorded in the DPS system as soon as you submit it. If you request a new card to be printed with your updated address, that card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.
What if I do not have proof of my new address?
If you are changing your address online or by mail, you do not need proof. For an in-person visit, you must bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and new address. If you do not have one yet, wait until you do before visiting the office.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any method — online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to renew it as well, which requires additional steps and documents.
What if I moved and did not report it for more than 30 days?
Report your address change as soon as you realize it. You can still change it at any time. If you are cited for not reporting within 30 days, you can show proof of the change to contest the citation, though the outcome depends on the specific officer and court.