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 is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Texas sends you a new license with your updated address in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed DL-43 form (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on their website, along with a copy of your driver's license. In-person visits at any DPS office also work, though you may wait in line. All three methods update your address when ready in the DPS system, even though your physical card arrives later.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • Mailing the DL-43 form and a copy of your license to DPS is an alternative if you don't want to go online.
  • Your address updates in the DPS system right away, but the physical license card with your new address takes about a week to arrive by mail.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your identity and confirm the change. You'll receive a confirmation email, and your new license will be mailed to the address you provided.

This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, you'll need to renew it instead of just changing the address. The online change costs nothing and is available 24 hours a day.

Mailing in a change of address form

read or request the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely with your current license number, new address, and signature. Make a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and mail both the form and the copy to the DPS mailing address shown on the form. Include a note with your email address so DPS can send you a confirmation.

Mail delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days, and DPS processes the form within a few days of receiving it. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. This method is slower than online but works if you don't have internet access or prefer a paper trail.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS driver's license office in Texas with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They'll update your record in the system when ready, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for a change of address. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, homeowners or renters insurance policies, and bank or credit card statements. A government-issued ID with your new address also works.

If you're moving and don't yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, the new address, and the move-in date. Some DPS offices also accept a notarized statement from a family member or friend who lives with you, though policies vary by location — call ahead if you're unsure.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Your address updates in the DPS system within hours of your online submission or in-person visit, or within a few days of your mailed form arriving. However, your physical license card with the new address takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. During this time, your old license is still valid for driving.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license works. If you move again before the new license reaches you, you can change your address a second time — there's no limit on how many times you can update it. If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to check the status.

Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended

If your license is expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew your license instead. The renewal process includes updating your address. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

If you're unsure about the status of your license, you can check it on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth. This takes less than a minute and tells you whether your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Texas?

Yes. Texas law requires you to change your address within 30 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you're pulled over — the officer may question why your address doesn't match where you're driving. Updating it keeps your records current with DPS.

What if I'm moving out of Texas?

If you're moving to another state, you'll eventually need a driver's license from that state. You can change your Texas address one last time before you leave, or you can let it expire and get a license in your new state. There's no penalty for letting a Texas license expire if you no longer live there.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can change your address on your license. If you're unable to visit a DPS office or go online, you can mail in the DL-43 form yourself, or ask a family member to mail it on your behalf — but you must sign the form. DPS will not process a change of address request signed by someone else.

Will changing my address affect my insurance or registration?

Your auto insurance company and vehicle registration are separate from your driver's license. You should notify your insurance company of your move separately, as they use your address to calculate rates and send you documents. Your vehicle registration is tied to your address too — contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update that separately if you've moved.

What if my mail gets lost and my new license doesn't arrive?

Contact DPS and provide your driver's license number and the address you changed it to. They can check whether the license was mailed and resend it if needed. If it was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement. There may be a small fee for a replacement license, though a change of address itself is free.