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

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card, as long as your license is still valid and you have not moved out of state. The fastest route is the online system on the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options work — they just take longer.

Your address change takes effect when ready online, but if you mail it in or visit an office, the DPS processes it within a few business days. You do not need to bring your old license or any documents to prove where you live if you go online, but the in-person and mail routes do require proof of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option, taking effect within minutes.
  • If you change your address in person or by mail, you will need to show proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You can only update your address online if your license is still valid and you have not moved out of state.
  • Changing your address does not require you to get a new physical license card unless your current one is damaged or expired.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a link for "Change of Address" — this is the quickest method. You will need your 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 and confirm it, then submit.

The system will show you a confirmation page right away. Your address change is live in the DPS system when ready, even though your physical license card still shows the old address. If you need proof of the change for a bank, employer, or other reason, you can print the confirmation page or request an official letter from the DPS.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a change-of-address form to the DPS. Request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or call your local DPS office to have one mailed to you. Fill it out with your new address, sign it, and include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You will not receive a new license card in the mail; your address will straightforward be updated in the system. Your old card remains valid even though it shows your previous address.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Walk into any DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The office staff will update your address on the spot.

There is no fee for a change of address. Your physical license card will not change — it will still show your old address, but the DPS system will reflect your new one. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one, but that costs the standard license renewal fee and is not required.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts documents that show your name and current address together. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works well because it is recent and has both pieces of information. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or bank or credit card statement also count. Government mail like a tax notice or voter registration card will work too.

The document should be dated within the last 60 days, though the DPS sometimes makes exceptions for documents slightly older if they are official. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask the DPS office what temporary proof they will accept — some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency.

When you cannot change your address online

The online system will not let you proceed if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If any of those explore, you must visit a DPS office in person or use the mail method. You also cannot use the online system if you have moved out of Texas — you will need to explore for a new Texas license or a license in your new state.

If your license is valid but the online system rejects your information, double-check that you entered your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license and in the DPS records. If the problem persists, call your local DPS office or visit in person.

Your old license card and what happens next

Your current license card remains valid even after you change your address. You do not have to turn it in or destroy it. The address on the card will not match your records in the DPS system, but that is normal and acceptable — banks, employers, and police understand that people move and update their addresses without getting new cards.

If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at any DPS office or through the mail, but you will pay the standard license renewal fee (around $16 for a four-year license, though the exact amount varies). Most people skip this step unless their card is damaged or they are renewing anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail and in-person changes typically process within two to five business days. If you need proof of the change right away, the online method gives you a confirmation page you can print or save.

Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?

Yes, but it is a separate process. Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or renew your registration to change that address.

What if I moved out of state but still have a valid Texas license?

You cannot use the online system or the mail method to change your address to an out-of-state address. You will need to explore for a driver's license in your new state. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but it will no longer be valid for driving.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No, the online system will not allow it. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail the change-of-address form. The office staff can update your address even if your license is suspended, but you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company should be notified separately — contact them directly to update your policy address, as they do not automatically receive updates from the DPS.