You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas allows you to update your driver's license address through three routes: the online system, mail, or an in-person visit to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. In-person visits are when ready but require you to be present during office hours.
Your address change takes effect the moment you complete it — there is no waiting period. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee unless you also want a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
Key Takeaways
- The online system at txdps.texas.gov is the fastest route and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form DL-43, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take two to three weeks.
- In-person changes at any DPS office are when ready and require your current license and proof of your new address.
- You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it for a fee, but the address change itself is free regardless of method.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to txdps.texas.gov and select the option to change your address. You will need your Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using these details and then ask you to enter your new address.
Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the DPS system. Your physical license card still shows your old address, but your record is updated. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can order one for a fee during the same process or wait and request it later.
The online system is available 24 hours a day. There is no cost to change your address this way.
Changing your address by mail
read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6900. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and sign it. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document that proves your new address.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and new address.
Mail the completed form, copy of your license, and proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. Once approved, your address is updated in the system, though your physical card will still show the old address until you request a replacement.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any DPS driver's license office in Texas with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. The same documents that work for mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail from the last 90 days) are accepted in person.
The staff member will update your address on the spot. Your record changes when ready. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at that time for a fee. Without a replacement card, your physical license still shows your old address, but the DPS system reflects the new one.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the DPS website.
What counts as proof of your new address
The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) are the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and bank or credit card statements also work. Government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards are acceptable.
Post office change-of-address forms do not count as proof. Handwritten documents do not count. The document must be official and show both your name and the address you are claiming.
If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, some offices will accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation of your pending service. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what they will accept in your situation.
Getting a replacement card with your new address
If you change your address online or by mail, your record updates but your physical card keeps the old address. You can request a replacement card at any time. The fee for a replacement card varies but is typically under $20. You can order a replacement online through the same system where you changed your address, by mail using form DL-43, or in person at a DPS office.
If you change your address in person at a DPS office, you can request a replacement card during that visit. The office will take a new photo and issue the card on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office's process.
A replacement card is optional. Your address change is complete and valid in the DPS system whether or not you get a new card printed.
Timeline and what to expect at each step
Online changes are when ready. Your address is updated in the DPS system as soon as you submit the form, usually within seconds. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the DPS office receives your envelope. In-person changes are when ready — your address is updated while you wait.
If you order a replacement card online or by mail, add another one to two weeks for printing and delivery. In-person replacement cards may be issued the same day or mailed to you depending on the office.
During the processing time for mail-in changes, your address in the DPS system is not yet updated. If you need proof of your new address before the mail-in change is processed, use a utility bill or lease agreement instead of relying on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine. However, the DPS does not automatically know you have moved — you must report it yourself through one of the three methods.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
Call your local DPS office before you visit or mail your request. Some offices accept a notarized letter from a landlord, a utility company confirmation of pending service, or a lease agreement even if it is not yet in your name. Requirements vary by office, so confirm what they will accept in your situation.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, you will need to renew your license separately if it has expired. The address change and renewal are two different transactions.
Will my old address still work for anything after I change it?
Your address change updates the DPS system, so official records reflect your new address. However, your physical card still shows the old address until you get a replacement. Banks, employers, and other organizations may still have your old address on file — you will need to update those separately.
What if I move again before my replacement card arrives?
You can change your address again through any method. If your replacement card is in the mail, it will arrive at your old address. Contact the DPS to confirm the status of your card or request it be held or reissued to your newest address.