You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person. All three methods update your address in the same database — the choice depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have the documents required for each route.

Your address on file matters because DPS uses it to mail renewal notices, and law enforcement can see it during traffic stops. Changing it does not affect your license's expiration date or require you to pay a renewal fee. You keep the same license number and the same physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dps.texas.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes if you have your driver's license number and a valid email address.
  • By mail, you send a completed DL-43 form with proof of your new address to the DPS address on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In person, you visit any Texas driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address; the change is when ready.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — the exact list varies slightly by method.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address; your current license remains valid.

Changing your address online through DPS

The online method is the simplest if you have internet access and a valid email address. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the "Online Services" section, and select "Change Address." You will need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address, confirm it, and submit. DPS sends a confirmation email to the address you provide.

The online system updates your address in the DPS database within one business day. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you need the new address to appear on a physical card, you would have to renew your license, which costs money and requires a visit to a driver's license office.

If the online system rejects your submission or you cannot access it, you have the option to use the mail or in-person routes instead. Some older licenses or accounts with flags in the system may not be may be able to access for online-only changes.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) from dps.texas.gov. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only complete the sections for your name, license number, and new address. Attach one document that proves your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the DL-43 itself. DPS processes mail submissions in the order received; expect two to three weeks for your address to update in the system. You will not receive a confirmation letter, but you can check your address online at dps.texas.gov using your license number and Social Security number.

Keep a copy of what you mail in case DPS loses the envelope. If your mail does not arrive or gets lost, you will not know until you try to verify the change weeks later. For that reason, many people prefer the in-person or online methods.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas driver's license office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail — all dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy; DPS staff will not accept a photo or photocopy.

Walk up to the counter, tell the clerk you want to change your address, and hand over your license and proof document. The clerk verifies the information, updates the system, and hands your license back. The change is when ready — your address is updated in the DPS database while you wait. You do not receive a new physical card unless you also renew your license.

Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities. If you want to avoid a long wait, call the office ahead of time or check dps.texas.gov for estimated wait times at your nearest location.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. The most common forms of proof are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement. Government mail such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or vehicle registration also works. Some offices accept insurance policies or cell phone bills if they show your address.

The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies and photos do not count. If your name on the document does not match your name on your license (for example, if you recently married and changed your name), bring a second document that shows both names, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you do not have any of these documents, you can ask DPS staff what alternatives they accept, but the safest approach is to get a utility bill or bank statement in your name first.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take one business day. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. After the change is processed, your address appears in the DPS system and is visible to law enforcement during traffic stops. DPS will use your new address to mail your next renewal notice when your license expires.

Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it. If you need the new address printed on your card, you must renew your license, which costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Renewal requires a visit to a driver's license office and takes about 20 minutes. You can renew online if you are not changing your photo, but an online renewal does not update your address on the physical card — it only updates the database.

If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit to how often you can update it, and each change is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?

Texas law does not require you to change your address when ready, but you should do it within a reasonable time. If you are pulled over and your address is outdated, an officer may ask why. More importantly, DPS mails renewal notices to the address on file, so if you do not update it, you might miss your renewal important date and drive with an expired license.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online, by mail, or in person. You will need to renew your license separately if you want to drive legally, but the address change itself does not require your license to be current.

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

Contact your nearest driver's license office and ask what alternatives they accept. Some offices may accept a notarized statement of residency or a letter from a landlord or property manager. If you cannot get any proof document, you may need to renew your license instead, which requires a different set of documents and costs money.

Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?

No. Changing your address does not renew your license or extend its expiration date. Your license expires on the same date regardless of how many times you update your address.

Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No. The online address change system is for regular driver's licenses only. If you have a CDL, you must change your address in person at a driver's license office or by mail using the DL-43 form.