You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas offers three routes to update your driver's license address: online through the DPS website (fastest, available 24/7), by mail using Form DL-43, or in person at any DPS office. The online method takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days plus processing time. In-person visits are when ready but require you to visit an office during business hours.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address update is separate from renewal. Your license remains valid; only the address on file changes. If your license is expiring within 60 days, the DPS recommends renewing at the same time to avoid a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about five minutes, with no appointment needed.
  • If you use the mail route, you will need Form DL-43, a completed process, and proof of your new address — processing takes two to three weeks total.
  • In-person address changes at a DPS office are when ready and require only your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

The online method is the fastest option. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the driver's license services section, and choose the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask for your new address and confirm your identity using information from your license record.

Once you submit the form, the DPS processes it when ready. Your new address appears in the system right away, though the physical card in your wallet will not change until you renew your license. For most purposes — insurance, voter registration, law enforcement checks — the address in the DPS system is what matters, not the card itself.

The online service is available at any time, including nights and weekends. There is no fee. If you run into trouble during the process, you can stop and try again later without losing your work.

Mailing Form DL-43 to update your address

If you prefer to mail your request, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only the sections for your name, license number, and new address. Include a copy of proof of your new address (see the section below for what counts as proof).

Mail the completed form and proof to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your envelope. You do not need to include payment — address changes are free.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. The DPS does not send a confirmation letter, so if you want to verify the change went through, you can check your address online through the DPS website or call the Driver License customer service line after two weeks.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and the address you are claiming. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a property tax bill.

If your name does not appear on the document (for example, if you are on a spouse's utility bill), bring a second document that shows both your name and the address, such as a piece of mail from a government agency or financial institution. A handwritten note or a screenshot of an online bill usually will not work — the DPS wants an official document.

If you are moving and do not yet have a document dated at your new address, some DPS offices will accept a signed lease or purchase agreement dated before the move, along with a letter from your landlord or realtor confirming your move-in date. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will verify the information, update the system, and hand you a receipt. The change is complete when ready — you do not need to wait for mail or processing time.

You do not need an appointment for an address change at most DPS offices, though some locations offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether appointments are available. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings.

Bring only your current license and proof of address — nothing else is required. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. There is no fee for an address change.

What happens after you update your address

Once your address is updated in the DPS system, it flows to other state agencies and databases. Your voter registration address, vehicle registration address, and other state records will eventually sync with your new address, though this can take a few weeks. Insurance companies and other private businesses do not automatically receive the update — you will need to contact them separately to change your address on their records.

Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause problems with law enforcement or most businesses, since they check the DPS database, not the card. However, if you want the card to reflect your new address when ready, you can renew your license at the same time you change your address.

Renewing your license at the same time as changing your address

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address in a single transaction. Online, you can do both at once through the DPS website. By mail, include the renewal process and the address change on the same envelope. In person, tell the clerk you want to renew and update your address, and they will process both requests together.

Renewing costs a fee (the amount varies based on how many years you are renewing for), but the address change itself remains free. A renewal typically takes longer than an address-only change — online renewals may require you to visit an office for a new photo, and mail renewals take several weeks. If your license is not expiring for more than 60 days, most people find it simpler to change the address now and renew later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move to a different Texas city?

Yes. Texas law requires you to update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine, though enforcement is rare. More importantly, an outdated address can cause problems with insurance, voter registration, and law enforcement records.

What if I do not have a document with my new address yet?

Some DPS offices will accept a signed lease or purchase agreement dated before your move, along with a letter from your landlord or realtor confirming your move-in date. Call your local office ahead of time to ask what they will accept. If you are staying with family or friends temporarily, ask if they will let you use a utility bill or lease in their name, with a note explaining the situation.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can update your address in the DPS system, but you cannot renew your license or get a new card until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online form takes about five minutes to complete and submit. The DPS processes it when ready, and your new address is in the system right away. Your physical card will not change until you renew your license.

Will my insurance company automatically know about my address change?

No. You must contact your insurance company separately to update your address on their records. The DPS does not share address changes with private businesses. Notify your insurer as soon as you move to avoid coverage gaps or billing problems.