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 or paying a fee. The fastest route is the online system at the DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and updates your record when ready. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person — both take longer but work just as well.
Your address on file matters because it's what appears on your physical license, what law enforcement sees when they run your license, and what DPS uses to contact you about renewals or violations. Updating it promptly after you move prevents mail from going to the wrong place and keeps your record current with law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS online system at dps.texas.gov is the fastest way to change your address and takes effect when ready, with no fee.
- You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to use the online portal.
- If you can't use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center or visit a driver's license office in person.
- Address changes by mail or in person typically take two to four weeks to process, while online changes are when ready.
- You do not need to bring your physical license to change your address — DPS updates the record in their system, and your next renewal will show the new address.
Changing your address online through the DPS portal
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Select the option to change your address on your driver's license. 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, if everything matches, process the change when ready.
Once the online change is complete, your address is updated in the DPS database right away. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but law enforcement and DPS will see your new address on their systems. There is no fee for this change, and you don't need to visit an office or mail anything in.
The online system is available 24/7, though you may experience slower response times during peak hours. If the system rejects your information, it usually means the data doesn't match what DPS has on file — in that case, you'll need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing a form to DPS for an address change
read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card). Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the DPS address processing center — the address is listed on the form itself and on the DPS website.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The document should be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and new address. DPS uses this to verify you actually live where you claim.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. You'll receive a confirmation in the mail once the change is complete. Your physical license will still show the old address, but your record in the DPS system will reflect the new one. There is no fee for this change.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest driver's license office on the DPS website. Bring your current driver's license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). Walk in during office hours — most offices operate Monday through Friday, though some have Saturday hours.
Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They'll verify your identity, check your address document, and update your record on the spot. There is no fee. Your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it, but your DPS record updates when ready.
Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (DPS website) | Driver's license number, last four digits of SSN | when ready | Free |
| Mail (Form DL-43) | Form DL-43, address verification document (utility bill, lease, etc.) | 2–4 weeks | Free |
| In person at DPS office | Current driver's license, address verification document | Same day | Free |
Why your physical license shows the old address after you change it
DPS maintains two separate records: your address in their computer system and the address printed on your physical license card. When you change your address, DPS updates the computer record when ready (if you use the online method) or within a few weeks (if you mail or visit in person). The physical card keeps the old address until you renew your license.
This is normal and not a problem. Law enforcement, DPS, and other agencies see your updated address when they look up your license. Your physical card is still valid — the address on it doesn't have to match your current residence. When you renew your license (every 8 years for most adults in Texas), the new card will print with your current address on file.
If you're moving out of state or to a military address
If you're relocating outside Texas, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state rather than just changing your address with DPS. Texas recognizes military addresses as valid, so if you're stationed out of state, you can change your address to your military address (using your military ID as proof of residence) and keep your Texas license.
To use a military address, visit a DPS office in person or mail Form DL-43 with a copy of your military ID showing your current duty station. The process is the same as a regular address change, and there is no fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my physical license to change my address?
No. If you use the online system, you only need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you mail a form or visit in person, you should bring your license for identification, but it's not strictly required if you have other ID.
How long does it take for my new address to show up in the system?
Online changes take effect when ready. Mail and in-person changes typically process within two to four weeks, though it can vary. You can contact DPS to confirm your address was updated if you're unsure.
Will I get a new license card with my new address?
No. Your physical card will keep the old address until you renew your license. Your record in the DPS system will show the new address, which is what matters for law enforcement and official purposes. When you renew (every 8 years), the new card will print with your current address.
What if the online system won't accept my information?
This usually means your data doesn't match what DPS has on file. Try the mail or in-person method instead. If you've recently changed your name or had other updates, DPS may need to verify those first before accepting an address change.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your Texas driver's license is free regardless of which method you use.