How to Change Your Address on a Texas Driver License

Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you update your driver license address without renewing the license itself. You have three routes: the fastest is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is valid and you have a Real ID or standard license issued after 2000. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a DPS office in person. The address change takes effect when ready online or in person, but mail processing typically takes two to three weeks.

You do not need to pay a fee for an address change alone. However, if you also renew your license at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee. The key decision is whether to change your address now and renew later, or handle both at once.

Key Takeaways

The online method through the Texas DPS website is the fastest route if your license is valid and was issued after 2000.
You can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on the form, and processing takes two to three weeks.
Walking into a DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address gets the change done the same day.
An address change alone costs nothing; you only pay if you renew your license at the same time.
Your new address will appear on your license the next time you renew, or you can request a replacement card for a fee.

Change your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address. Once you submit, the change is recorded in the DPS system when ready, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew.

This method works only if your license is currently valid (not expired) and was issued after January 1, 2000. If your license is expired or older than that, you must use the mail or in-person method instead. The online system also requires that you have either a Real ID license or a standard Texas driver license—not a commercial license or other credential type.

Mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address on the form

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form itself—this is typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though the form will show the correct mailing address. Include a copy of a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. Your address will be updated in the system, but your physical card will not change until your next renewal. Keep a copy of the form and proof of mailing for your records in case you need to follow up.

Visit a DPS office in person with proof of your new address

Bring your current driver license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. Some DPS offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residence if you cannot produce a dated document.

Walk in during office hours—most DPS offices do not require an appointment for address changes. The staff will update your address in the system on the spot. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but your record in the DPS database will reflect the new one. If you need the new address to appear on your card right away, you can request a replacement license for a fee (typically around $20 to $25, though this varies by office).

What happens to your physical license card

Changing your address does not automatically issue you a new license card. Your current card remains valid and will continue to work for identification purposes, even though it shows your old address. The DPS system will have your new address on file, and law enforcement can see the updated address when they scan your license.

Your new address will print on your license card the next time you renew—either when your license expires or if you choose to renew early. If you want a new card with your current address before your renewal date, you can request a replacement card at a DPS office or online, but you will pay a replacement fee. This is optional and not required just to update your address in the system.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

If you change your address online or in person, the update is when ready in the DPS database. If you mail the form, expect two to three weeks for processing. During this time, your address is being updated in the state system, even though your physical card has not changed.

You may receive mail from DPS or other state agencies at your new address within a few weeks of the change. If you do not receive confirmation, you can log into your DPS account online or call the DPS customer service line to verify that your address was recorded correctly. Keep the confirmation number or receipt from your in-person visit or online submission if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to renew my license to change my address?

No. An address change is separate from renewal. You can update your address and keep your current license until it expires. However, if you want the new address to appear on your physical card before your renewal date, you must request a replacement card and pay the replacement fee.

What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?

Some DPS offices will accept a notarized affidavit of residence, which you can have prepared by a notary public. This document states that you live at the address you claim. Call your local DPS office to confirm they accept this before you have it notarized, as policies can vary by location.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use the online method if your license is expired. You must mail Form DL-43 or visit a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license and proof of your new address. The staff can update your address even if your license needs renewal.

How long does it take to see the change in the system?

Online and in-person changes are when ready. Mail submissions take two to three weeks. You can verify the change by logging into your DPS account online or by calling DPS customer service to confirm your address was recorded correctly.

Will my old address still work for identification?

Your license remains valid for identification even after you change your address. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your updated address when they scan your license, so the old address on the card will not cause problems.

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.