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 on your current license without getting a new card. The fastest route is the online system at the DPS website, 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 license office in person. The address change itself does not require a new photo or a new license number — your existing card remains valid.
Which method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to the documents DPS requires. Online is fastest and most convenient. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at the DPS website is free, takes 10 minutes, and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
- You do not receive a new physical license card when you change your address — your current card stays valid and your record updates in the system.
- If you go in person, bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of residency if you moved out of state.
- Mail-in address changes require the DL-43 form, a copy of your current license, and proof of your new address; processing takes one to two weeks.
- Your address must match your voter registration and vehicle registration within a reasonable time, or you may face issues during traffic stops or when renewing.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address Online" option under the driver license services section. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — you must click the link in that email to complete the change.
The online system updates your address in the DPS database when ready after you confirm the email. Your physical license card does not change, but law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address in their systems right away. This is the method most people use because it is free and does not require leaving home.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you moved to Texas from another state, bring proof of residency as well — the same documents work.
The office staff will update your record on the spot. You do not pay a fee for an address change. Your existing license card remains valid; you do not get a new one. Processing is when ready, so your new address is in the system before you leave. Bring your documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.
Changing your address by mail
read or request the DL-43 form from the DPS website or call the DPS customer service line. Fill out the form with your current information and new address. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Mail the completed form and documents to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address once the change is complete. Your physical license card does not change during this process.
What counts as proof of 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 agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also work. Some people use a government-issued document like a voter registration card or vehicle registration, though these take longer to update than utility bills.
If you moved to Texas from another state, you may need to show proof that you lived in your previous state as well. A utility bill from your old address or a lease agreement usually satisfies this requirement. Ask the DPS office or include a note with your mail-in form if you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable.
Updating your voter registration and vehicle registration after changing your license address
Your driver's license address should match your voter registration and vehicle registration. If they do not match, you may face questions during a traffic stop, and you could have problems renewing your license or registering a vehicle. Update your voter registration through your county's election office website or by mail — most counties let you change it online. Update your vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or at a local county tax assessor's office.
You do not have to do these at the same time as your license address change, but doing them together makes the process simpler. If you move frequently or are unsure whether your records match, check all three before you renew anything.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change
Online changes are recorded when ready after you confirm your email. In-person changes are recorded while you wait. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks, and you will receive a letter confirming the update at your new address.
Your physical license card does not change, so you can continue using it right away. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can request a replacement at any time, and the replacement will show your current address. There is no fee for an address change alone, but a replacement card costs money if you request one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license card remains valid and does not change. Your address updates in the DPS system, but the physical card you carry stays the same. If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you can request a replacement, but that costs money and is optional.
What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?
DPS prefers documents dated within the last 60 days, but you may be able to use older documents if you explain the delay. Call the DPS customer service line or ask at the office before you submit your process. If you cannot find a recent document, a utility bill or bank statement is usually easier to obtain quickly than other forms of proof.
Can I change my address online if I do not have email?
The online system requires a valid email address because DPS sends a confirmation link you must click. If you do not have email, use the mail-in form or go in person to a driver license office. Both methods work without email.
How long does an address change take if I mail it in?
Mail-in address changes take one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your form. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for three to four weeks total from when you drop it in the mailbox. If you need the change recorded faster, go in person or use the online system.
What happens if my address on my license does not match my vehicle registration?
You may be asked about the mismatch during a traffic stop, and it can complicate vehicle registration renewal. Update both at the same time to avoid confusion. You can change your vehicle registration address through the Texas DMV website or at your county tax assessor's office.