How to Change Your Address on Your Texas Driver License

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 route 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. If you are also renewing your license or changing other information, different rules explore — but a straightforward address update costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

The online method through the DPS website is the fastest if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
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 are changing your name, you must visit a DPS office or mail Form DL-43 with proof of your new address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days showing your new address.
In-person visits at a DPS office usually take 15 to 30 minutes, and you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Select the option to change your address. You will need 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 then ask you to enter your new address.

This method works only if your license is not expired and your name has not changed. If either of those is true, skip to the in-person or mail options below. Once you submit your new address online, it takes effect right away, and you do not need to do anything else.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill out the form with your new address and sign it. You will also need to include proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days all work.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. You can track the status of your request on the DPS website if you create an account, though this is not required. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS office in Texas with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your new address — examples include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. If you do not have a document from the last 30 days, you can bring two documents from the last 90 days instead.

The office will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS system shows your new address. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one, though this usually costs a renewal fee.

To find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times, use the office locator on the DPS website. Many offices are busier in the morning and on Mondays and Fridays, so visiting mid-week or in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail all work. Bank statements, insurance documents, and tax returns also count if they show your current address.

If you do not have a document from the last 30 days, bring two documents from the last 90 days instead. If you are moving and do not yet have a document at your new address, you can bring a signed lease or a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You must either visit a DPS office in person or mail Form DL-43 with proof of address. At a DPS office, staff will ask whether you want to renew your license at the same time you update your address. If you do, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, though fees may vary). If you only want to change your address and not renew, some offices can do this, but policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.

If you mail in your address change with an expired license, DPS will update your address but will not renew your license. You will need to renew separately later, either online or in person.

Changing your address if you also changed your name

If you changed your name (through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means), you cannot update your address online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail your request. Bring your current driver license, proof of your new address (dated within the last 30 days), and proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document showing the name change.

At a DPS office, staff will update both your name and address and issue a new license card with both changes. By mail, send Form DL-43, proof of address, and a copy of your name-change document. Processing takes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

Not automatically. Your current card stays valid even though the address printed on it is old — the DPS system shows your new address. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one in person at a DPS office, but this usually costs a renewal fee. Many people keep their old card and just let DPS know the new address in their system.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

One to two weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. Mail delivery itself can take several days, so the total time from when you send it to when the change is complete is usually two to three weeks. You can check the status on the DPS website if you set up an account.

Can I change my address if I have an out-of-state license?

No. You must first get a Texas driver license. Once you have one, you can change the address using any of the methods above. If you are new to Texas, you can get a license at any DPS office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Texas address.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease at your new address, bring a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead. The letter should confirm your move-in date and new address. This counts as proof even if it is not dated within the last 30 days.

Can I change my address at a different DPS office than where I got my license?

Yes. You can visit any DPS office in Texas to change your address, regardless of where you originally got your license. There is no requirement to go to a specific office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.