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. The fastest route is online through the DPS website if your license is current and you have a valid email address. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or visit a driver license office in person. The address change itself is free — you only pay if you also renew your license early.

Your address must match what DPS has on file before you can register a vehicle, get a vehicle inspection, or renew your registration. Updating it quickly prevents delays if you need to do any of those things soon.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
  • If you mail your change, you will need to fill out Form DL-43 and send it to the DPS address listed on the form, which takes one to two weeks.
  • Visiting a driver license office in person means you can complete the change the same day, but you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.
  • Your new address appears on your license when ready when you change it online or in person, but a replacement card with the updated address arrives by mail within two weeks.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver license services section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and access to an email address. The system will send you a confirmation email after you submit the change.

This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name since you got it. If either of those things is true, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though the physical card with your new address arrives by mail within two weeks.

Mailing your address change to DPS

read or print Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the DPS address shown on the form — this address changes depending on which region of Texas you live in, so check the form itself rather than using an old address.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. DPS needs this to confirm you actually live there. Mail the form and document together, and expect the change to take one to two weeks. You will receive a replacement card by mail with your new address printed on it.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest driver license office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

The staff member will update your address in the system while you are there. You will get a receipt showing your new address is active when ready. A replacement card with the updated address will be mailed to you within two weeks. If you need to use your new address right away, the receipt serves as proof of the change.

What documents prove your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, or a government document like a property tax notice also work.

The document must show both your name and the address you are claiming. A piece of mail addressed to you at the new address counts, but a bank statement or utility bill is stronger because it is an official record. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date.

Timeline for receiving your new card

If you change your address online or in person, the change takes effect in the DPS system the same day. However, the physical replacement card with your new address printed on it arrives by mail within two weeks. During that time, your old card is still valid — you can use it for identification, and your address is already updated in the DPS database.

If you change your address by mail, the entire process takes one to two weeks from the time DPS receives your form. You will receive the replacement card by mail. If you need proof of your address change before the card arrives, you can print a confirmation from the DPS website if you changed it online, or you can visit a driver license office and ask for a printout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. While there is no fine for missing this important date, having an outdated address can cause problems when you renew your registration or get a vehicle inspection. It is simpler to update it as soon as you move.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you must renew your license first. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it in person at a driver license office, and you can update your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.

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

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. DPS will accept this as proof of residency. Make sure the letter includes both your name and the new address.

Will changing my address cost money?

No, changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you also renew your license at the same time. An address-only change has no cost.

Can I change my address if I moved out of state and came back to Texas?

Yes, you can update your address through any of the three methods. If you have been out of state for a long time, your license may have expired, in which case you will need to renew it in person at a driver license office.