How to Change Your Address on a Texas Driver's License

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

Texas allows you to change your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three routes: an online change through their website, a mail-in form, or an in-person visit to a DPS driver license office. Which route you choose depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, how quickly you need the change recorded, and whether you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it.

The online method is fastest for most people and takes about 10 minutes. The mail route takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person updates at a DPS office are when ready but involve a wait. All three methods are free if you only update your address without requesting a new card.

Key Takeaways

Texas DPS processes address changes online at their website, by mail using form DL-43, or in person at any driver license office.
Online changes are free and when ready, but you will receive only a confirmation letter—your physical license card keeps your old address until you renew or pay for a replacement.
If you need a new card printed with your updated address, you must request a replacement card and pay a fee (typically around $11 for a standard license).
Mail-in changes require form DL-43, a copy of your current license, and proof of your new address, and take two to three weeks to process.
In-person changes at a DPS office are recorded when ready and let you request a replacement card on the same visit.

Updating your address online through the Texas DPS website

The online method is the fastest option if your license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the top right corner). Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Change Address Online," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to provide your new address and confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.

Once you complete the online form, DPS sends you a confirmation letter by mail to your new address within 7 to 10 days. Your address is updated in the DPS system when ready, which means your record reflects the change right away. However, your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it or order a replacement card. If you need a card with your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement during the online process for an additional fee.

If your license is not Real ID-compliant (no gold star), you cannot use the online method and must choose mail or in-person instead.

Mailing in form DL-43 to update your address

The mail-in route requires you to complete form DL-43, which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any driver license office. On the form, you will provide your current license number, your new address, and your signature. You must also include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of address to the Texas DPS mailing address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope.

Like the online method, a mail-in address change updates your record but does not print a new card. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address. If you want a replacement card with your updated address, include a note with your mailed form requesting one and include the replacement fee (typically around $11).

Changing your address in person at a DPS driver license office

Walk-in visits to any Texas DPS driver license office let you update your address and receive confirmation on the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number if you do not have a Real ID license. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

The DPS staff member will update your address in the system when ready. If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can request one at the same visit and pay the replacement fee. A replacement card typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you only update your address without ordering a replacement, you leave with a receipt confirming the change, and your physical card keeps your old address.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts a narrow list of documents to verify your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. 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 or vehicle registration.

Documents that do not work include mail from employers, insurance companies, or government agencies that do not show your address; printed bank statements from online banking that lack an official letterhead; or documents older than 60 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a dated document in your name at your new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date, or bring a lease signed by both you and your landlord.

Replacement cards and when you need one

A replacement card is a new physical license with your updated information printed on it. It costs money (typically around $11 for a standard five-year license) and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You do not need a replacement card just to update your address in the DPS system—your record updates for free through any of the three methods above.

You may want a replacement card if you plan to use your license as identification soon and want the card to match your current address, or if you prefer not to carry a card with outdated information. If you order a replacement during an online or mail-in address change, the new card will be printed with your updated address. If you update your address in person at a DPS office, you can request a replacement on the spot.

When your license expires and you renew it, the new license will automatically show your current address at no extra charge. If you have already updated your address with DPS but have not yet renewed your license, your old card remains valid—you are not required to get a replacement card.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online changes are the fastest: your address updates in the DPS system within minutes, and you receive a confirmation letter within 7 to 10 days. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope, so factor in postal delivery time on both ends. In-person changes are when ready—your address is updated while you wait, and you leave with a receipt.

After any address change, you may see a delay before the update appears in other systems. Your vehicle registration, voter registration, and other state records may not sync with your new driver's license address right away. If you need those updated as well, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (for vehicle registration) or your county voter registrar separately. Your DPS address change does not automatically update those records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I just moved within Texas?

Yes. Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within a certain timeframe. Updating your address keeps your license valid and ensures DPS has your correct information for traffic stops, license renewal notices, and other official correspondence.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed lease agreement with your landlord's contact information, a letter from your landlord on their letterhead, or a utility bill showing your name and new address even if it is dated before your move-in. DPS staff can work with you on what documents are available.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can update your address on an expired license. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact your local DPS driver license office to confirm what you need to bring.

Will updating my address change my license expiration date?

No. Updating your address does not change when your license expires. Your expiration date stays the same unless you renew your license. When you do renew, the new license will show your current address.

How do I know if my address change was processed?

For online and mail-in changes, you will receive a confirmation letter at your new address within 7 to 10 days. For in-person changes, you receive a receipt when ready. You can also call your local DPS driver license office to confirm your address is updated in their system.

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.