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

Texas lets you update your driver license address without getting a new license or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If you cannot use the online method — because your license is expired, suspended, or you have changed your name — you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person.

The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether your license status allows online updates. Most people can complete the change in minutes online, but mail takes one to two weeks, and in-person visits require finding an office near you and waiting in line.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes minutes, but only works if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 (Change of Address) with proof of your new address to the DPS; processing takes one to two weeks.
  • In-person visits to any DPS office let you update your address the same day, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days.
  • You do not need to update your address before moving, but doing so prevents mail delays and keeps your records current with law enforcement.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address online. You will need your driver 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.

This method works only if your license is not expired, suspended, or cancelled, and if you have not changed your name since you got it. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must use the mail or in-person method instead. Once you submit the change online, it is recorded when ready, though your physical license will still show your old address until it expires and you renew it.

Mailing in a change of address form

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of proof that you live at the new address — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or any government mail dated within the last 90 days.

Mail the completed form and proof to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15731, Austin, TX 78761-5731. Include your current license if you want it returned to you, though this is optional. The DPS will process your change within one to two weeks and send you a confirmation. Your physical license will still show your old address until you renew it.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Bring the same types of proof accepted by mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 90 days. Tell the clerk you want to change your address on your current license.

The DPS will update your record the same day, and you will receive a confirmation. Your physical license will still show your old address until you renew it, but your record in the system will be current. This method is useful if you need the change recorded when ready or if you cannot use the online or mail methods.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Texas DPS accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and the address you are moving to. Accepted documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax records, or mail from a government agency.

Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted as proof of address. If you are moving to a new home and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DPS offices will accept this in place of standard proof.

When your physical license will show the new address

Changing your address does not trigger a new license to be printed. Your physical card will continue to show your old address until your license expires and you renew it. At that time, the DPS will print your current address on the new license.

This means law enforcement and businesses will see your old address if they scan your license, even though the DPS system has your new address on file. If you need your physical license to show your new address before renewal, you can request a duplicate license with the new address, though this usually costs a fee and requires a visit to a DPS office or submission of a form by mail.

Why you should update your address even if you do not have to

Texas does not require you to update your driver license address before a certain date after you move. However, updating it soon after you move has practical benefits. Mail sent to your old address by government agencies, courts, or law enforcement may be delayed or returned. If you are pulled over, an officer will see your old address on your license, which can raise questions.

Keeping your address current also helps if you need to renew your license by mail — the DPS will send your renewal notice to the address on file. If that address is old, you might miss the renewal important date. Updating your address is free and takes minutes online, so most people do it as part of their moving checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, the online method does not work for expired licenses. You must mail Form DL-43 with proof of your new address, or visit a DPS office in person. Both methods work for expired licenses and do not require you to renew at the same time.

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can change it either way — Texas has no important date. Most people update it after they move and have proof of their new address ready. Updating it before you move is fine if you have a signed lease or other documentation showing your new address.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease yet at my new address?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DPS offices accept this as proof. Call your local DPS office before you visit to confirm they will take a landlord letter.

Will my old license still work after I change my address?

Yes, your license remains valid. The card itself will still show your old address, but the DPS system will have your new address on file. You can use your license for identification and driving until it expires.

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

The DPS typically processes address changes within one to two weeks of receiving your form and proof. Mail delivery time to Austin is not included in this estimate, so allow extra time for your envelope to arrive at the DPS office.