The fastest way to change your address in Texas
You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you do not need a replacement card. If you change your address online, your current license remains valid — you do not have to get a new one unless you want to.
Texas does not require you to update your driver's license address within a specific number of days, but doing it promptly keeps your license current with your actual residence. If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state instead.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and your current license stays valid.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you must explore in person at a DPS office and pay a fee (currently $16 for a regular license).
- Mail-in address changes require a completed form and a copy of your current license, and processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person changes at a DPS office take about 30 minutes and let you get a replacement card with your new address on the same day if you pay the fee.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" and you will be directed to a find login page. You will need to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. After you log in, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system.
Once you submit the change, you will receive a confirmation on screen. Your address will update in the DPS database within one business day. Your current physical license card will still be valid and does not need to be replaced — the address on the card itself will not change, but your record in the system will reflect your new address. This matters for things like vehicle registration renewals and official correspondence from DPS.
If you do not have online access or prefer not to use it, the mail and in-person options below will work instead.
Getting a replacement card with your new address by mail
read or request the "process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card" form (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. Fill in your new address in the appropriate section. Make a copy of both sides of your current driver's license and include it with the form. Mail both to the address listed on the form — this is typically the DPS office in Austin, though the form will specify the correct mailing address.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You will receive your replacement card by mail at your new address. The fee for a replacement card is currently $16 for a regular driver's license, though this amount can change. You do not need to include payment with the form — DPS will bill you or deduct the fee when your new card is processed.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or zip code. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days works), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Walk in during office hours — most offices do not require an appointment for address changes, though some locations may ask you to check in online first through the DPS website. The process takes about 30 minutes. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, tell the clerk when you arrive. The fee is $16, and you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office. You will receive your new card on the same day.
If you only want to update your address in the system without a replacement card, the clerk can do that for free, and you will receive a confirmation receipt.
What counts as proof of your new address
Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common proof. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Some offices accept a letter from a government agency or employer showing your new address.
If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at your new place — ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept. Some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a recent mail piece from a government agency. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will take, because rules can vary slightly between locations.
When you need a replacement card versus just updating your address
You only need a replacement card if you want your new address printed on the physical card itself. If you change your address online or by mail without requesting a replacement, your card will still show your old address, but your DPS record will be current. For most purposes — renewing your vehicle registration, updating your address with banks or insurance companies, or providing proof of residency — the updated record in the DPS system is what matters, not what is printed on the card.
However, if you use your driver's license as proof of address for things like opening a bank account or renting an apartment, a card with your current address printed on it looks cleaner and avoids questions. In that case, pay the $16 fee for a replacement card. If you are only updating your record for DPS purposes, the free online change is enough.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Your driver's license will still be valid for identification and driving. However, any official mail from DPS — including renewal notices, ticket information, or vehicle registration correspondence — will go to your old address. If you miss a renewal notice because it went to the wrong address, you could accidentally let your license expire.
Additionally, if you are pulled over by law enforcement, your license will show an address that does not match where you actually live, which can raise questions. It is not illegal to have an outdated address on your license, but updating it prevents confusion and ensures you receive important notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?
No. You can update your address in the DPS system for free online or by mail without getting a replacement card. Your current card remains valid. You only need a replacement card if you want your new address printed on the physical card itself, which costs $16.
How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?
Online changes update within one business day. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes at a DPS office are when ready — you will receive a confirmation receipt on the spot, and if you order a replacement card, you get it the same day.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
Call your local DPS Driver License office and ask what documents they accept as alternatives. Some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord, a recent piece of mail from a government agency, or other documents showing your name and new address. Rules vary by location, so confirm before you go in.
Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
No. CDL holders must change their address in person at a DPS office or by mail. The online option is only for regular driver's licenses and identification cards. Bring the same documents you would for a regular license change.
What if my new address is outside Texas?
If you are moving out of state, you cannot update a Texas address. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Check your new state's DMV website for their requirements and process.