You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card, as long as your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name. The fastest route is the online system on the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer to go in person or by mail, both options work — they just take longer.
You'll need your current driver's license number, your new address, and a way to verify your identity. The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you want to do it from home.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option, taking effect within a few business days.
- You must have a valid Texas driver's license and cannot have changed your name since it was issued.
- In-person changes at a DPS office take about 30 minutes and require your current license plus proof of your new address.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form, a copy of your license, and proof of address, but take two to three weeks to process.
- Your physical license card will not change — only your address record in the system updates until you renew.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You'll find a link for "Change of Address" in the driver's license services area. Click it and you'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record to confirm your identity.
Once you're verified, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Double-check the spelling and zip code — this is the address that will show in law enforcement records and on any documents DPS sends you. After you submit, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The change usually takes effect within three to five business days, though it can be faster.
This method works only if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your name. If either of those is true, you'll need to renew your license instead, which is a separate process.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. You can search by city or zip code. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document should be dated within the last 60 days and have your name and new address on it.
Walk in during office hours or use the online appointment system if your location offers it. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They'll verify your identity using your license, check your proof of address, and update your record in the system. The change takes effect when ready in the database, though your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
You do not need to pay a fee for an address change. If the office is crowded, arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times.
Changing your address by mail
read form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789 to request it be mailed to you. Fill out the form completely with your driver's license number, current address, new address, and signature. Make a photocopy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include it with the form.
Attach one document showing your new address — the same types work as for in-person changes (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form, which is the DPS mail processing center in Austin. Do not send cash. Include a check or money order if DPS requests a fee, though address changes are typically free.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You won't get a confirmation call or email — your change is complete when you stop receiving mail at your old address and start receiving it at your new one. If you need to know the status sooner, call 1-888-589-6789 with your driver's license number and they can check for you.
What happens to your physical license card
Your driver's license card itself will not change when you update your address. The card will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause problems — law enforcement and other agencies see your current address in the DPS database when they scan your license, not the address printed on the card.
When your license comes up for renewal (usually every 8 years for adults), you'll get a new card with your current address printed on it. Until then, you can use your license as-is. If you need a new card with your updated address before renewal, you would have to renew your license early, which costs the full renewal fee.
Proof of address documents that DPS accepts
DPS accepts several types of documents to verify your new address. The document must show your name and new address, be dated within the last 60 days, and be an original or certified copy — not a photo or screenshot.
| Document Type | Notes |
| Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) | Most common option; must show your name and address |
| Lease or rental agreement | Must be signed and show your name and the address |
| Mortgage statement or property deed | Shows you own or are financing the property |
| Bank or credit card statement | Must show your name and current address |
| Government mail (tax notice, voter registration card) | Issued by federal, state, or local government |
| Insurance policy or declaration page | Homeowner's or renter's insurance works |
Do not bring a piece of mail addressed to you at your new address if it's from a private company and you're changing your address in person — DPS prefers the documents listed above. For mail-in changes, a recent piece of addressed mail can work if nothing else is available, but the official documents are safer.
What to do if your license is expired or your name has changed
If your driver's license is expired, you cannot use the address-change-only process. You'll need to renew your license instead, which includes updating your address as part of the renewal. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long your license has been expired.
If you've changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you also cannot use the address-change-only process. You'll need to renew your license and provide legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office.
For either situation, visit the Texas DPS website and look for "Renew Your Driver's License" to see which method works for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?
Online changes take three to five business days. In-person changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. If you need proof the change was submitted, keep your confirmation number from the online method or your receipt from the office visit.
Do I need to notify my insurance company or vehicle registration separately?
Yes. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance records. Contact your auto insurance company and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles separately to update those. Your vehicle registration can be updated online through the DMV website or by mail.
What if I moved out of state but still have a valid Texas license?
You can update your address to an out-of-state address using any of the three methods. However, if you've established residency in another state, you should eventually get a license from that state instead. Texas allows you to keep your license as long as it's valid, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving there.
Can I change my address if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?
Yes, an address change does not depend on whether you have outstanding tickets or warrants. However, updating your address makes it easier for authorities to locate you if there's an active warrant. If you have a warrant, contact the court or the agency that issued it before updating your address.
What if the DPS website won't let me change my address online?
The online system may reject you if your license is expired, your name has changed, or if there's a hold on your record. Try the in-person or mail-in method instead. If you're unsure why the online system rejected you, call 1-888-589-6789 and a DPS representative can explain and help you choose the right method.