You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas 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 if your license is current and you have a valid email. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person. The address change itself is free — you only pay if you're also renewing your license or getting a replacement card.
Your new address becomes official once DPS processes your request. This usually takes one to two weeks if you submit online or by mail, or when ready if you do it in person. You don't need to carry proof of the address change with you; the update shows in the DPS system right away, and your physical card will reflect the new address when it arrives or when you renew.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if your license is valid and you have email access.
- By mail, you'll need to complete form DL-43 and include proof of your new address, then mail it to the DPS address listed on the form.
- In-person updates at any DPS office take effect when ready and require your current license plus one document showing your new address.
- Address changes are free, but your physical card won't show the new address until you renew your license or request a replacement.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You'll find a link for "Change of Address" in the driver's license services area. Click through and you'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS uses this information to pull up your record and confirm your identity.
Once you're logged in, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and zip code — this is the address that will show in the system. You'll also need to provide an email address where DPS can send you a confirmation. After you submit, you'll get an when ready on-screen confirmation, and DPS will send a follow-up email within a few hours. Processing takes one to two weeks, and you don't need to do anything else.
The online system only works if your license is currently valid and not suspended. If your license is expired or suspended, you'll need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in your address change with form DL-43
read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. You can print it at home or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign and date the form. You must also include one document that shows your new address — this can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form and your address proof to the address listed on the form itself — this is usually the DPS office that serves your region. Include a copy of your current driver's license if you want, though it's not required. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You won't get a physical confirmation in the mail, but you can check your address in the DPS system online after two weeks to confirm the change went through.
Keep in mind that the address on your physical license card won't change until you renew. If you need the new address to show on your card right away, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person and request a replacement card for a fee.
Updating your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — the same documents accepted by mail work here (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). You don't need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use a reservation system, so check ahead.
When you arrive, tell the clerk you need to change your address. They'll verify your identity with your license, check your address document, and update your record on the spot. The change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. If you want your physical card to show the new address right away, you can request a replacement card for a fee (currently $11 for a standard license). If you don't request a replacement, your current card keeps the old address until you renew.
In-person visits are the best option if you need the change to take effect the same day, or if your license is expired or suspended and you can't use the online system.
What documents count as proof of your new address
DPS accepts any of these documents as proof of your new address: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail (tax documents, voter registration, vehicle registration). The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A printed bank statement from your online account works as long as it shows the date you printed it.
Documents that do not count include mail forwarding confirmations from the post office, printed emails, or documents with only a partial address. If you're moving to a new home and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date — many will provide this for free.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
You cannot use the online address change system if your license is expired or suspended. Instead, you'll need to mail in form DL-43 with your address proof, or visit a DPS office in person. The in-person route is faster — your address updates when ready, and you can handle any license renewal or suspension issues at the same time if needed.
If your license is suspended, updating your address doesn't lift the suspension. You'll still need to resolve whatever caused the suspension (unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other issues) before you can legally drive. But you can still update your address in the DPS system so your records are current.
When your new address will show on your physical card
Your address change takes effect in the DPS system right away — within hours if you do it online or in person, or within one to two weeks if you mail it in. However, your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card.
If you need the new address on your card when ready, you can request a replacement card at a DPS office for a fee. This gives you a new card with the updated address but the same license number and expiration date as your current license. If you're renewing your license soon anyway, you can wait and the new address will appear on your renewal card at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notify the post office about my address change separately?
Yes. Changing your address with DPS does not forward your mail. You'll need to file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service separately, either online at usps.com or by filling out form PS 3575 at your local post office. The USPS change typically takes three to five business days to take effect.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
Yes. You can update your address by mail or in person even if your license is suspended. The address change doesn't affect the suspension status — you'll still need to resolve the underlying issue before you can drive legally. But keeping your address current in the DPS system is important for receiving official notices.
What if I moved out of state but still have a valid Texas license?
You can update your address to an out-of-state address through the online system or by mail. However, most states require you to get a driver's license from your new state within a certain period (usually 30 to 60 days after moving). Check your new state's requirements, as keeping a Texas license after establishing residency elsewhere can cause problems with vehicle registration and insurance.
How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?
If you request a replacement card in person at a DPS office, you'll typically receive it by mail within one to two weeks. Some offices can issue temporary paper licenses on the spot while you wait for the physical card. Ask the clerk what your office offers.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement card (currently $11 for a standard license) or if you're renewing your license at the same time.