You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The fastest route is the online change through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs nothing, and you receive a new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license is expired, suspended, or you have changed your name, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail in a paper form.

Texas does not require you to update your address before a specific important date, but doing so matters for jury duty notices, vehicle registration renewals, and voter registration records. An outdated address on your license can also cause problems if you are stopped by law enforcement or need to use it as proof of residency for banking or housing.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only if your license is current and valid; expired or suspended licenses require an in-person visit or mailed form.
  • The online process is free and takes 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery of your new license.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you change your address, update your vehicle registration and voter registration separately — a driver's license change does not automatically update those records.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as it should appear on your license, including apartment or unit numbers if applicable.

After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. There is no fee for this change.

This option is not available if your license is expired, suspended, or if you have changed your name since your license was issued. You also cannot use the online process if you need to correct other information on your license beyond the address.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photograph of the document is not accepted.

The office will process your change on the spot. You will pay a fee of $11 for a duplicate license, and you can choose whether to receive it by mail or pick it up at the office if you want it faster. If you pick it up in person, it is usually ready within one to two hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

No appointment is required at most DPS offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Check the DPS website for the office nearest you and its current hours before you go.

Changing your address by mail

read the "process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card" form (DL 43) from the DPS website. Fill out the form with your current information and your new address. Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license and proof of your new address to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes 15 to 20 business days from the date the DPS receives your form. Include a check or money order for $11 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.

This method is slower than in-person or online changes, but it works if you cannot visit an office or do not have internet access. You will receive your new license by mail at the address you provided.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A government-issued document like a voter registration card or property tax bill also counts.

Documents that do not work include credit card statements, insurance policies, or mail from government agencies that do not show your full address. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.

Updating your vehicle registration and voter record after changing your address

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or voter registration. You must handle those separately. To update your vehicle registration, visit your county tax assessor-collector's office or use the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles online portal if your vehicle is registered in your name.

To update your voter registration, contact your county voter registrar's office or use the Texas Secretary of State voter registration website. You can also update your voter address when you renew your driver's license in person at a DPS office — the office will give you a form to complete.

If your license is expired or suspended

You cannot change your address online if your license is expired or suspended. You must visit a DPS office in person with your expired or suspended license, proof of your new address, and any documents required to resolve the suspension or renew the license.

If your license is suspended, you will need to clear the suspension before you can renew or update it. Check the DPS website or call your local DPS office to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to restore it. Suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address online?

The DPS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online submission. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service, so allow an additional few days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Do I have to change my address on my driver's license?

Texas does not legally require you to update your address on your driver's license by a specific date. However, an outdated address can cause problems with jury duty notices, vehicle registration renewals, and proof of residency for banking or housing. It is best to update it within a reasonable time after you move.

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

If you are temporarily out of state, you can use the online change option if your license is current. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact that state's motor vehicle department for their process.

What if the address on my proof of residency does not match my name exactly?

The name on your proof document should match the name on your driver's license. If it does not — for example, if you recently married and changed your name — you will need to bring additional documents showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate. Bring both your old and new documents to the DPS office.

Is there a fee to change my address online?

No, changing your address online through the DPS website is free. If you change your address in person at a DPS office and request a duplicate license, the fee is $11. Mailing in a form also costs $11.