You can change 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 update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is the online system at the DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer mail or in-person service, both are available, though mail takes longer and in-person visits require a trip to a DPS office during business hours.
Your address change takes effect when ready online or in person. By mail, it typically processes within two to three weeks. You do not need to surrender your current license or pay a fee unless you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS online portal at dps.texas.gov is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your driver's license number, personal details, and a new address.
- You can mail a completed DL-43 form (Address Change) to the DPS address on the form, though processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person address changes happen at any DPS office and are processed the same day, but you must bring your current license and proof of residency.
- Changing your address does not cost money unless you order a replacement card with the new address printed on it, which costs around $16.
- Your old license remains valid for identification and driving after an address change; you do not need a new one unless you want the updated address on the card itself.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Change Address" or "Update Address" from the menu. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address exactly as it appears on a recent utility bill, lease, or other proof of residency. The system will confirm the address and show you a summary before you submit. Once submitted, your address change is recorded in the DPS system when ready, though it may take a few hours to appear in all state databases. You will receive a confirmation email or text message depending on what contact information you provide. Print or save this confirmation for your records. Your old license remains valid; you do not need to do anything else unless you want a replacement card with the new address printed on it.
Mailing a form to the DPS
read or request the DL-43 form (Address Change) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date the form. Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself, which is typically the DPS headquarters in Austin. Include a copy of a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a lease, or a bank statement. Do not send your original license.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. You can track the status by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or checking your account on the DPS website if you have one set up. Your old license remains valid during this time.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some offices accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you do not have other proof.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your information, update your record in the system, and give you a receipt. The change is recorded when ready. Your old license remains valid; you do not need a new one unless you request a replacement card. Wait times vary by office and time of day. Many DPS offices are busier in the morning and on weekdays. Check the DPS website for your local office hours and consider visiting early in the day or mid-week to avoid long waits. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.
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. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet) are the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail all work. Some offices accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address.
Documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted. If your name on the document does not match your license exactly (for example, a middle initial is missing), bring a second document that shows both versions of your name, or bring a marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed. If you are moving to a new state or do not have proof of residency yet, you may need to wait until you have a document in your name at the new address. Call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept in your specific situation.
Ordering a replacement card with your new address
If you change your address online or by mail, your record updates but your physical license card still shows the old address. You can order a replacement card with the new address printed on it. The cost is around $16, though fees vary slightly by year.
To order a replacement online, go to dps.texas.gov after you have changed your address and select "Order Replacement License." You will pay the fee online and the card will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. You can also order a replacement in person at a DPS office. Your old license remains valid for driving and identification even if it shows an outdated address. A replacement card is optional unless you need the new address on your physical ID for a specific reason, such as updating records with your bank or employer.
Timeline and what to expect at each step
The method you choose determines how long the process takes and when your address change becomes official in the DPS system. Online changes are the fastest and take effect when ready, while mail takes the longest at two to three weeks. In-person visits at a DPS office fall in the middle and are processed the same day you visit.
| Method | Time to Complete | When Change Takes Effect | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 minutes | when ready | License number, SSN last 4 digits, date of birth |
| By Mail | 2–3 weeks | When DPS receives form | DL-43 form, proof of address |
| In Person | 15–45 minutes (varies by office) | Same day | Current license, proof of address |
After you change your address, update your information with other agencies that have your old address on file. This includes your vehicle registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, your voter registration, your insurance company, and your employer. Some of these updates happen automatically when you change your driver's license address; others require a separate step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move to a new city in Texas?
No, changing your driver's license address is not required by law. However, it is a good idea to keep your address current so that traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and other official mail reach you. If you move and do not update your address, mail sent to your old address may not reach you.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes, you can change your address even if your license is expired. Use the online system or mail the DL-43 form. If you change your address in person at a DPS office, they may ask you to renew your license at the same time, depending on how long it has been expired.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?
You can change your address to an out-of-state address using the online system or by mail. However, most states require you to get a driver's license from your new state within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's requirements and plan to get a new license there.
How long does my old license stay valid after I change my address?
Your old license remains valid for driving and identification indefinitely after an address change. The address on your license does not affect whether it is legal to drive. If you want the new address printed on your card, you can order a replacement for around $16.
Can I change my address by phone?
No, the DPS does not process address changes over the phone. You must use the online system, mail the DL-43 form, or visit a DPS office in person. The online system is the fastest option and is available 24 hours a day.