You can change your Texas driver license 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 method is online through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired, damaged, or you need to change your name at the same time, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a form. Most address changes take effect when ready online or within one to two weeks by mail.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address alone. However, if you are renewing your license at the same time, standard renewal fees explore. The process itself is straightforward once you know which method works for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name since it was issued.
  • You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
  • If your license is expired or you cannot change your address online, visit a DPS office with your current ID and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Address changes by mail require Form DL-43 and take longer than online or in-person updates.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Once your identity is confirmed, you will enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. You do not need to wait for a new physical card — your address is updated in the system right away, and your current license remains valid.

This method works only if your license has not expired and your name has not changed. If either of those conditions applies to you, skip to the in-person or mail sections below.

Visiting a DPS office to change your address in person

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 — the document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address.

Walk in during regular DPS office hours or schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Appointments typically reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are accepted. Tell the clerk you are changing your address only. The process takes about 15 minutes, and your address is updated when ready in the system.

You will not receive a new physical license card unless you request one or your current card is damaged. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at the counter, though this may involve a small fee. Otherwise, your current license remains valid with the address updated in the DPS database.

Mailing in a form to change your address

read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current driver license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to include a copy of your license or proof of address when mailing — the DPS will verify your information against their records.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DPS receives it. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address will straightforward be updated in the system. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can call the DPS customer service line or check your address the next time you log into your online DPS account.

This method is slower than online or in-person options, so use it only if you cannot visit an office or access the online system. The mail method also works if your license is expired or your name has changed, as long as you include a note explaining the situation.

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. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and property tax statements also work. Government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards are acceptable.

Bank statements and credit card statements with your address printed on them count as well. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or screenshot usually will not be accepted at an office visit. If you are changing your address by mail, you typically do not need to send proof, but call the DPS ahead of time if you are unsure about your specific situation.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DPS offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready. Your address is updated in the DPS system within minutes, and you can use your license right away. In-person changes also take effect when ready — the clerk updates your record before you leave the office. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks from the date the DPS receives your form.

Your physical license card will still show your old address until you request a replacement card or renew your license. This does not affect the validity of your license. When you renew your license in the future, your new address will be printed on the replacement card automatically.

If you need your new address on your physical card right away, you can request a replacement card at a DPS office for a fee, or you can wait until your license renewal is due. For most purposes — driving, identification, vehicle registration — the address in the DPS system is what matters, not what is printed on the card itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I just moved but my license is still valid?

You are not required to change your address when ready, but it is a good idea to do so within a reasonable time. Your vehicle registration should match your current address, and having your license address updated prevents confusion if you are pulled over or need to show ID. Texas law does not set a specific important date for updating your address on your license.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or the person who sold you the home for a signed letter on letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DPS offices will accept this temporarily. You can also wait until you receive a utility bill or other official mail at your new address, which typically arrives within two to four weeks of moving.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You will need to visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43. At an office visit, bring your expired license and proof of your new address. The clerk can update your address and renew your license at the same time if you wish.

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

Not automatically. Your address is updated in the DPS system, but your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a replacement card with your new address, request one at a DPS office for a fee. Otherwise, you will receive a new card with your updated address when you renew your license.

How do I know if my address change went through?

If you changed your address online, you received a confirmation number when ready. If you changed it in person, the clerk updated your record before you left. If you mailed in a form, call the DPS customer service line after one to two weeks to confirm. You can also log into your online DPS account to check your current address on file.