The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is the quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $0. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. Your current license stays valid; DPS mails you a replacement with your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you move and do not update your address, your license becomes invalid for identification purposes in Texas, even though it will not expire. This matters if you need to show ID at a bank, airport, or police stop. Updating is straightforward enough that most people do it within a few weeks of moving.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change your address online.
  • If you prefer in-person service, visit any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Changing your address by mail requires sending your current license and a completed form to the DPS address processing center, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you complete the online form and pay nothing, DPS will mail your replacement license to your new address. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. There is no fee for this service, and you do not need to visit an office or provide documents in advance.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Walk in during office hours — most DPS offices do not require appointments for address changes. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay $0 for the address change itself, though if your license is expiring soon you may choose to renew it at the same time (which does cost money). Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing your address by mail

Complete Form DL-43 (Change of Address) and mail it along with your current driver's license to the DPS address processing center. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website or request it by phone. Include one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and DPS will send your replacement license to your new address. There is no fee. This method is slower than online or in-person, so use it only if you cannot access the other two options.

What happens if you move out of state

If you move to another state, you will eventually need a driver's license from that state. Texas does not allow you to hold a valid license while living elsewhere. However, you can keep your Texas license as a form of ID if you move temporarily — for example, for a job that lasts a year. If you are moving permanently, contact your new state's licensing authority to understand their requirements and timeline.

Some states allow you to transfer your Texas license with a straightforward address change; others require you to take a new written test or vision test. Check your new state's DMV website before you move so you know what documents and fees to expect.

Updating your address for vehicle registration at the same time

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license, and both need to show your current address. You can update your vehicle registration online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office. Many people do both updates at once to avoid confusion.

If you update your driver's license online but not your registration, or vice versa, you may receive mail at your old address or face issues during a traffic stop. The DMV website has a separate form and process from the DPS driver's license update, so plan to do both if you own a vehicle.

What to do if your license is expiring soon

If your license expires within the next few months, you can renew it and change your address at the same time. Online renewal with an address change costs $16 and takes the same 7 to 10 business days. In person, you can renew and change your address together for $16, though you will need to bring proof of your new address and may need to take a new photo.

If you change your address now and your license expires in a few months, you will receive a renewal notice at your new address. You can then renew by mail, online, or in person. Doing both at once saves you a trip, but it is not required — you can change your address now and renew later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I just moved?

Yes. You can change your address online when ready after moving. You do not need to wait for mail to arrive at your new address or provide any documents. The online system verifies your identity through security questions instead.

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

If you cannot find a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, use the online method instead — it does not require documents. If you must go in person and have no proof of address, call your local DPS office to ask what alternatives they accept, such as a signed affidavit or a letter from your landlord.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

DPS typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your request. Mail delivery adds another 2 to 5 days depending on distance. If you need ID before your new license arrives, your old license remains valid for identification purposes even though the address is outdated.

Do I have to change my address if I move within Texas?

You are not legally required to update your address when ready, but your license becomes invalid for identification in Texas once you move. If you need to show ID at a bank, airport, or during a traffic stop, an out-of-date address can cause problems. Most people update within a few weeks of moving.

What if I lost my license and moved at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license and update your address in one process. Go to a DPS office in person with proof of your new address and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). DPS can issue a replacement with your new address the same day or mail it within 7 to 10 business days.