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

The fastest way to update your address on a Texas driver's license is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You can also mail in a form, visit a DPS office in person, or update your address when you renew. The method you choose depends on whether you need the change right away and whether you want to update just your address or make other changes to your license at the same time.

Texas does not require you to update your address within a specific number of days, but doing it promptly protects you if you move and receive a ticket or legal notice at your old address. Your license itself does not need to be replaced when you change your address — the DPS keeps your new address on file in their system, and law enforcement can see it when they scan your license.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you can do it from home on any device with internet access.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you prefer to mail in your change, you send a completed form DL-43 with a proof of residency document to the DPS address listed on the form.
  • Visiting a DPS office in person is an option if you want to make other changes to your license at the same time, such as updating your name or photo.
  • Your physical license card does not change when you update your address — the new address is stored in the DPS system and appears when officers check your record.

Changing 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's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the DPS database.

The online method works only if your license is valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired or is not in good standing, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The DPS will send you a confirmation email after your change is processed, so check your email for that receipt.

Mailing in your address change with form DL-43

read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Fill out the form with your name, driver's license number, and new address. You will also need to include one document that proves you live at your new address — examples include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and your proof of residency to the address shown on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive a confirmation within a month, call the DPS to confirm your change went through.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas with your current driver's license and one proof of residency document. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. The office staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

Going in person is useful if you want to make other changes at the same time — for example, if you also need to update your name, change your photo, or correct information on your license. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

What counts as proof of residency

Texas accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works if it shows your name and current address.

Government documents like a voter registration card or tax return can work too. The document does not have to be recent if it is a lease or mortgage, but utility bills and bank statements must be from the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, call the DPS before you go in or mail your request — staff can tell you what other documents they will accept in your situation.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks. In-person changes take effect the same day. Once your address is updated, any new license renewal notices, traffic tickets, or official mail from the state will go to your new address.

Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause problems — when a police officer scans your license, they see your current address in the system. You do not need to carry proof of the address change or explain it to law enforcement. If you move again before your license expires, you can update your address as many times as you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address before I move or can I do it after?

You can update your address before or after you move. Many people wait until they have their new address confirmed and proof of residency ready. There is no penalty for updating after you move, but doing it promptly means official mail will reach you at the right place.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and explain your situation. They can tell you what other documents they will accept — for example, a letter from your landlord, a utility company statement, or a government agency letter. Do not guess; ask first so you do not make a wasted trip or mail a rejected form.

Will my license card show my new address?

No. Your physical card keeps the old address until you renew your license. The DPS system stores your current address, and that is what officers see when they check your record. You do not need to carry anything else or explain the difference.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, the online method requires a valid license. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, use the mail method with form DL-43 or visit a DPS office in person. You may also need to renew your license at the same time depending on how long it has been expired.

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

Mail-in changes typically take two to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. Mail delivery itself can add a few days on each end. If you need the change faster, use the online method or visit an office in person.