The fastest way to change your address
You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver's license office. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the Driver's License section, and look for 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. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
If you prefer to change your address in person, visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests — the office will straightforward update your record and issue a new license with your new address.
By mail is also an option, though it takes longer. You would mail your current license, a completed form DL-43 (available on the DPS website), and proof of your new address to the DPS. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through dps.texas.gov is the fastest and requires only your license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and date of birth.
- In-person changes at any DPS office take about 15 minutes and require your current license plus a recent utility bill or similar proof of your new address.
- You do not need to retake a photo, pass a vision test, or pay a fee to change your address.
- Mail-in changes require form DL-43 and proof of address, and take two to three weeks to process.
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 show your name and the new address, and must be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also work.
If you do not have any of these, a government-issued document with your new address — such as a voter registration card or vehicle registration — may be accepted. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm they will take the specific document you have.
Changing your address online step by step
Start at dps.texas.gov and navigate to the Driver's License Services section. Look for the link labeled "Change Address Online" or similar wording — the exact label changes occasionally, but it will be in the section for updating your license information.
Click the link and you will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license, then review the information for accuracy before submitting.
After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives.
Changing your address at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the DPS website — you can search by city or zip code. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 90 days.
When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and take a new photo for your license (unless your photo is less than five years old, in which case they may skip this step). The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the office's equipment. Ask the clerk which applies before you leave.
Changing your address by mail
read form DL-43 from the DPS website or request it by phone. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, and new address. Include a copy of your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 90 days.
Mail the form, copies, and proof of address to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct mailing address. Do not mail your original license unless the form specifically asks you to. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to your new address.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Your driver's license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, if you are pulled over, the address mismatch may raise questions with the officer. More importantly, if you receive a traffic ticket or other legal notice, it may be sent to your old address and you might miss a court date or important date.
For vehicle registration, Texas requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. This is separate from your driver's license, though you can update both at the same time if you visit a DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your Texas driver's license is free whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. You only pay a fee if you need to replace a lost or damaged license.
Can I change my address online if I have a Real ID license?
Yes. Real ID licenses can be updated online the same way as standard licenses. Your new Real ID license will be mailed to your new address.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I change my address online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your online submission. Mail delivery time varies, but you should expect to receive it within two weeks total.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
Contact the DPS to update your address again. You can do this online or by phone. Your license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when it is printed.
Can I update my address at the same time I renew my license?
Yes. When you renew your license — online, in person, or by mail — you can update your address as part of the same transaction. This saves you a separate trip or submission.