You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office
Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer to do it in person or by mail, both options work — they just take longer and may require you to visit an office or wait for processing.
Your address change takes effect when ready online, but if you mail it in or go to an office, the DPS processes it within a few business days. You do not need to surrender your current license or pay a fee unless you are also renewing your license early.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option, taking effect within minutes.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change it online.
- If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed DL-43 form to the DPS or visit a DPS office in person.
- Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new license card — your current license remains valid.
- The DPS mails confirmation to your new address after processing, which takes a few business days.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new mailing address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Once you complete the form and submit it, the change takes effect right away. The DPS will mail a confirmation letter to your new address within a few business days. You do not need to do anything else — your license remains valid at the old address until the confirmation arrives.
This method works only if your license is current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has an issue, you will need to resolve it before you can change your address online.
Mailing in a change of address form
read or request the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS office in Austin, though the form will specify the correct mailing address.
Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DPS receives your form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DPS will send confirmation to your new address once the change is complete.
Keep a copy of the form and any documents you send, in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo will not work.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew your license. The process takes about 15 minutes. The DPS will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a few business days.
No appointment is required at most DPS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, new address | Free | when ready |
| By mail | DL-43 form, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | 7–10 business days |
| In person | Current driver's license, proof of new address | Free | Same day (record updated when ready) |
What happens after you change your address
The DPS sends a confirmation letter to your new address within a few business days. This letter confirms the change and shows your updated address. Keep it for your records, though you do not need to carry it with you.
Your current driver's license card still shows your old address, but the DPS database is updated when ready (online) or within a few business days (mail or in-person). Police officers and other officials can see your current address in the system, even if your card still shows the old one. Your license remains valid and does not need to be replaced unless it expires or you choose to renew it early.
If you move again, you can change your address as many times as you need using the same methods. There is no limit to how often you can update it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Changing your address does not require a new card. Your current license remains valid and you can use it as your ID. The card will still show your old address, but the DPS system shows your current address, which is what matters for official purposes.
What if I do not have proof of my new address?
If you are changing your address by mail or in person, you need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you do not have one yet, wait until you receive a utility bill, lease, or bank statement at your new address. The online method does not require proof of address.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You will need to renew your license at the same time. You can do this in person at a DPS office or by mail, but it will cost the renewal fee and take longer than an address-only change.
How long does it take to see the change in the system?
Online changes take effect when ready. If you mail the form or go in person, the DPS updates the system within a few business days. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address once the change is complete, which is when you know it went through.
What if I move before my confirmation letter arrives?
Contact the DPS with your new address so they can send the confirmation to the correct location. You can call the DPS or visit a local office to update your address again. There is no penalty for changing your address multiple times.