You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
The fastest way to update your address on a Texas driver's license is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person. The method you choose depends on whether you want to do it when ready or have time to wait for mail processing.
Texas does not require you to update your address before a specific important date, but doing it soon after you move prevents problems when you need to show your ID for voting, banking, or law enforcement stops. Your current address on file is what appears on official records, so updating it keeps your license accurate.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no office visit required.
- By mail, you send a completed form and a copy of your current license to the DPS address processing unit, which takes two to three weeks.
- In person at a DPS office, you bring your current license and proof of your new address, and the change is when ready.
- You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the update is separate from license renewal.
- Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
After you submit the form online, DPS mails you a new license with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee for this change. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification during that time.
Changing your address by mail
read the Change of Address form (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include both with the form.
Mail the completed form and copies to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Division, P.O. Box 15731, Austin, TX 78761-5731. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. A new license with your updated address will be mailed to you at the new address you provided.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate.
Walk into any DPS driver's license office during business hours. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your information in the system, and you will receive a new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office. There is no fee for a change of address.
What counts as proof of your new address
DPS accepts documents that show your name and your new address and were issued or dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name works well. So does a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or a piece of government mail such as a tax document or voter registration card.
If the document is in a spouse's name or a roommate's name, DPS will not accept it as proof of your address. The document must show your name. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.
How long the process takes for each method
| Method | Time to Complete | When You Get Your New License | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online through DPS website | About 10 minutes | 7 to 10 business days by mail | Free |
| By mail with form | Time to write and mail | 2 to 3 weeks after DPS receives it | Free |
| In person at DPS office | 15 to 30 minutes at the office | Same day or within a few days | Free |
What happens to your old license after you update your address
Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until your new license arrives. You can use it to drive, vote, or show as ID anywhere that accepts a Texas driver's license. Once your new license arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to return it to DPS.
If you lose your old license before the new one arrives, you do not need to report it. straightforward use the new license once it comes in the mail. If you need a replacement license before the new one with your updated address arrives, you can request one at any DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address before I can renew my license?
No. You can change your address and renew your license at the same time, or you can do them separately. If you change your address now and your license does not expire for several years, you do not need to renew it until the expiration date on your current license.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?
You should get a driver's license from your new state within a reasonable time after moving. Texas will not prevent you from updating your address to an out-of-state address, but most states require you to obtain their license once you become a resident. Check the requirements for your new state.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. You must change your address yourself using one of the three methods — online, by mail with your signature, or in person. DPS does not allow a family member or representative to update your address without you present.
What if the DPS website is not working or I cannot access it?
Use the mail method or visit a DPS office in person. You can also call 1-888-589-6789 to ask about the online system or to request a form by mail. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address on your license does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may ask you to update your address with them separately, so contact them directly to make sure your policy reflects your new location.