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

You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet a few specific conditions

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without visiting a driver's license office, as long as your current license is still valid and you are not changing your name, photo, or license class at the same time. The process takes place entirely on the DPS website and costs nothing. Your new address appears on your license when ready in their system, though the physical card in your wallet will not change until your license expires and you renew it.

If your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or photo, or if you are moving out of Texas, you cannot use the online method and must visit a DPS office in person instead.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes work only if your Texas driver's license is currently valid and you are not changing your name, photo, or license class.
You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process on the DPS website.
The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, but your physical card will still show your old address until you renew your license.
If you cannot use the online method, you can change your address in person at any DPS office or by mail using Form DL-43.

What you need before you start the online process

Gather these items before you go to the DPS website: your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to know your new address. That is all the DPS requires to verify your identity and process the change online.

Make sure your license has not expired. Check the expiration date printed on the front of your card. If it has expired, you cannot use the online method and will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a renewal process instead.

Steps to change your address on the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the driver's license services section. Find the link for "Change Address" or "Update Address" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be in the driver's license renewal and update area. Click it to begin.

You will be taken to a form that asks for your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter each piece of information exactly as it appears on your license or Social Security card. The system will verify your identity using these details.

Once you pass verification, you will see a screen asking for your new address. Type in your street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check everything for spelling and accuracy — the DPS system will use this address for all future correspondence and for any traffic or legal records associated with your license.

Review the information one more time, then submit the form. The DPS will show you a confirmation page with your new address and a confirmation number. Write down or screenshot this confirmation number in case you need to reference the transaction later.

When the online method will not work

You cannot change your address online if your license has expired. If you are past the expiration date, you must renew your license in person at a DPS office or by mail. The renewal process includes an address update, so you can handle both at the same time.

You also cannot use the online method if you are changing your name, updating your photo, changing your license class, or moving out of Texas. Any of these changes requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. If you are moving to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state, but you can update your Texas address online first if your license is still valid.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for the online method, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 before you try. They can tell you in a few minutes whether you can proceed online or need to visit an office.

What happens after you submit your address change online

Your new address takes effect in the DPS system when ready after you submit the form. Any future correspondence from DPS — renewal notices, traffic citations, or administrative mail — will go to your new address. Law enforcement and courts will also see your updated address in their records.

Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address. The card does not update until you renew your license, which happens every 8 years for most adults in Texas. You do not need to do anything to make this happen — when your license expires, you will renew it and receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

If you need proof of your new address before your license expires, you can print a confirmation from the DPS website or bring your confirmation number to a DPS office and ask for a printed statement. Some banks, landlords, and government offices will accept this as proof of address.

Changing your address by mail or in person if you cannot go online

If you cannot use the online method, you have two other options. The fastest is to visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and fill out the address change form at the office. The staff will process it on the spot, and your new address will be in the system when ready.

You can also mail in your address change using Form DL-43, which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Include a copy of your driver's license and proof of your new address, then mail the form to the address listed on the form itself. Processing by mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but it costs nothing and you do not have to leave your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my new address show up on my physical driver's license card right away?

No. Your address changes in the DPS system when ready, but your physical card will not update until you renew your license. You can use your confirmation number or a printed statement from the DPS as proof of your new address if you need it before then.

What if I entered my address wrong and need to fix it?

You can go back to the DPS website and submit another address change with the correct information. The system will accept multiple updates, and only the most recent one will be active in their records. If you have questions, call DPS at 1-888-589-6556.

Can I change my address online if I am moving out of state?

Yes, you can update your Texas address online if your license is still valid. However, once you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. Check your new state's requirements for when you must switch over.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address online?

No. Changing your address online through the DPS website is free. You only pay a fee if you need to renew your license or make other changes that require an in-person visit.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in police and court records?

Your address updates in the DPS system when ready, and law enforcement agencies can see it right away. Court records may take a few days to sync with the DPS database, depending on the court system in your county.

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.