You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system if your license is current and you have a valid email. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or walk into any DPS driver license office. The method you choose depends on whether you want to avoid a trip or need the change recorded when ready.

Your address update takes effect right away online or in person, but mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change alone — you only pay if you are renewing your license at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dps.texas.gov is the fastest method and requires only your driver license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
  • You can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on the form, and the change records within two to three weeks.
  • Walking into a DPS driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address completes the change the same day.
  • You must update your address within 30 days of moving under Texas law, though the DPS does not enforce this retroactively for past moves.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" from the menu. You will need your Texas driver license number, your date of birth, and access to an email address. The system will send a confirmation link to that email — click it to complete the change.

This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name since it was issued. If either of those applies to you, use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change is recorded when ready, though it may take a few days for the update to show in all DPS systems.

Mailing in a change of address form

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or any driver license office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form — this is typically a DPS processing center, not a local office.

Include a copy of proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. Mail processing takes two to three weeks. You do not need to include your license itself — just the form and proof.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or any government-issued mail with your name and new address. Walk into any DPS driver license office during business hours — you do not need an appointment for an address change.

Tell the clerk you are there to update your address. The change is recorded the same day and you walk out with no new card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires or you renew. The DPS updates your record in their system, and law enforcement can see the new address when they run your license.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy also works. Government mail — such as a tax document, voter registration card, or court notice — counts if it shows both your name and address.

Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some offices accept this as temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive.

Updating your address if your license is expired

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it rather than straightforward change the address. Renewal requires passing a vision test and paying the renewal fee. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still change your address using the mail or in-person method — the online system will reject an expired license.

When you renew, you can update your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of residency (which may be the same document). The renewal fee covers both the new license and the address update.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes are recorded when ready. In-person changes happen the same day. Mail changes take two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. Your old license remains valid during this time — you do not need a new card printed.

Once your address is updated in the DPS system, it appears in law enforcement databases within a few days. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your new address on their screen even though your physical license card still shows the old one. Your new address also updates in the system used for voter registration, vehicle registration, and other state records linked to your driver license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within 30 days of moving?

Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of a new address within 30 days of moving. However, the DPS does not actively enforce this for past moves — you can update your address at any time. If you are pulled over before updating, an officer may note the discrepancy, but you will not face a penalty for the delay itself.

Will I get a new license card with my new address printed on it?

No. An address change does not trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires. When you renew your license, the new card will show your current address. If you need your new address printed on your card before renewal, you must pay for an early renewal.

Can I change my address if I do not have a utility bill or lease?

Yes. The DPS accepts government mail, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and insurance policies as proof. If you have none of these, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some offices accept this temporarily while you wait for official documents.

What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?

If your Texas license is still valid, you can change the address using any of the three methods. If your license expired while you were out of state, you must renew it. Bring your expired Texas license, your new address proof, and residency proof to a DPS office, or mail in a renewal process with the same documents.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in other systems?

Law enforcement databases update within a few days of your address change. Voter registration and vehicle registration systems typically update within one to two weeks. If you need proof of your new address for another purpose, ask the DPS for a certified abstract of your driving record, which reflects your current address on file.