The fastest way to change your address on your Texas driver license
You can change your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website without visiting a DPS office, as long as you meet a few basic conditions. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs $0. If you cannot use the online system, you will need to visit a DPS office in person with specific documents.
Texas lets you update your address in three ways: online (fastest), by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Most people should use the online option first because it is when ready and requires no documents or fees. The mail and in-person routes exist mainly for people whose licenses have expired or who have other restrictions on their record.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free, takes 10 minutes, and works if your license is current and you have no holds on your record.
- You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot use the online system and must visit a DPS office or mail in a form instead.
- Changes made online are usually reflected in the system within one business day, though your physical card will not change until you renew it.
- You do not need to change your address with DPS if you only want to update it with your insurance company or vehicle registration — those are separate processes.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Driver License Information." You will be asked to enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your current address, then enter your new one.
After you submit the new address, the system will send you a confirmation email. Your address change is complete at that moment — you do not need to do anything else. The DPS database updates within one business day. Your physical driver license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but law enforcement and government agencies will see your new address in the system.
The online method only works if your license is currently valid (not expired) and you have no active holds or restrictions on your record. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, the online system will reject your request and tell you to visit a DPS office instead.
Changing your address by mail
If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form to the DPS. You will need to fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. On the form, write your new address in the appropriate box and leave all other fields blank unless they ask for specific information.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the DPS website — it varies by region, so check the site to find the correct office for your area. Include a copy of a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original driver license unless the form specifically asks you to.
Processing by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive a confirmation in the mail when your address has been updated. This method is slower than online but works even if your license is expired or has restrictions.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS office and tell the clerk you want to change your address. Bring your current driver license and one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The clerk will update your record on the spot, and your address change takes effect when ready.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait. There is no fee to change your address in person.
If you are changing your address because you moved out of state or to a new country, you may need to surrender your Texas license and explore for a new one instead of straightforward updating the address. Ask the DPS clerk whether your situation requires a new process or just an address change.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | Free | 10 minutes |
| By Mail | Form DL-43, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | 2–4 weeks |
| In Person | Driver license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | Same day (after wait) |
Why your physical card will not change right away
When you change your address through any of these methods, the Texas DPS computer system updates when ready (or within one business day for mail). However, your physical driver license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause problems — police officers and government agencies check the DPS database, not the card itself.
You will receive a new card with your updated address only when your license comes up for renewal. In Texas, driver licenses are valid for 8 years, so you may not get a new card for several years after you move. If you need a new card sooner for personal reasons, you can request an early renewal at a DPS office, though this usually costs a fee.
Updating your address with insurance and vehicle registration separately
Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your address with your car insurance company or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (for vehicle registration). You need to contact each of those separately.
Call or log into your insurance company's website to update your address there. For vehicle registration, visit the Texas DMV website or a local county tax assessor's office to update your vehicle registration address. Some counties let you do this online; others require you to visit in person or mail in a form. Keeping these three addresses in sync (driver license, insurance, and vehicle registration) prevents problems if you are pulled over or file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
No. The online system only works if your license is currently valid. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must use the mail or in-person method instead. You may also need to renew your license at the same time, which requires additional documents and a fee.
How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?
If you change your address online, it updates within one business day. If you mail in a form, it takes 2 to 4 weeks. If you change it in person at a DPS office, it is when ready. Your physical card will not change until you renew your license.
Do I need to change my address if I moved to a different city in Texas?
Yes. You should update your address with DPS whenever you move, even if you stay in Texas. This keeps your record accurate and ensures that official mail reaches you. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee — just update the address through one of the three methods.
What counts as proof of address for the mail or in-person method?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your landlord or a recent tax return also works in most cases.
What if I moved out of the country or to another state?
If you no longer live in Texas, you should surrender your Texas driver license and explore for a license in your new state. You cannot straightforward update the address if you have moved outside Texas. Visit a DPS office to surrender your license, or contact the DPS to learn about mailing it back.