You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office
The fastest way is online through the Texas DPS website if your license is current and you have a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot go online, you can mail a form to the DPS or walk into any driver license office with your ID and proof of your new address. Most people finish in one visit or receive confirmation within two weeks by mail.
Your address change takes effect when ready if you do it online or in person. If you mail it in, the DPS processes the request within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee — you are only updating the information on your existing card.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- If you go in person, bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address to any Texas driver license office.
- Mailing in a change takes 7 to 10 business days, while online and in-person changes are when ready or nearly when ready.
Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the option to change your address on your driver license. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and then enter your new one.
Before you start, have a valid email address ready — the DPS will send you a confirmation to that address. Your license must not be expired, and you cannot have any suspensions or holds on your record. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access to change online, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Once you submit the change online, it is recorded when ready. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires. When you renew your license later, the new card will show your current address.
Changing your address by mail
read the Change of Address form (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any driver license office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
Mail the completed form and your proof of address to the Texas Department of Public Safety at the address listed on the form. Do not send your physical license unless the form specifically asks you to. The DPS will process your request within 7 to 10 business days and send you a confirmation letter to your new address.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your request.
Changing your address in person at a driver license office
Bring your current Texas driver license and one document showing your new address to any driver license office in the state. The office staff will verify your information, update your record, and you will walk out with the change recorded. There is no fee and no wait to process the change — it happens while you are there.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government check, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If your document is older than 60 days, bring two documents together instead of one.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other documents beyond your license and proof of address. The office will not issue you a new physical card on the spot — your address change is recorded in the system, and your current license remains valid until it expires.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Texas 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 homeowner's insurance document also works. Bank statements and credit card statements with your name and address are acceptable.
Government mail counts too — a letter from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a state or local government agency with your name and address will do. If you have a document older than 60 days, bring a second document along with it. The two documents together show that you have lived at that address for a longer period.
Documents that do not work include mail forwarding confirmations from the post office, cell phone bills without a physical address, or documents that show only a P.O. box. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the driver license office before you go in.
Timeline and what happens after you change your address
If you change your address online or in person, the change is recorded when ready in the Texas DPS system. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address right away. Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it, but the official record is updated.
If you change your address by mail, the DPS processes the request within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address. During this time, your address in the system is being updated, but you may want to contact the DPS if you need proof of the change before the letter arrives.
When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your current address on file. You do not need to change your address again at renewal time unless you have moved since the last change.
If you cannot find the form or have questions
The Texas DPS website has all the forms and instructions you need. If you cannot access the website or prefer to speak with someone, call the DPS at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). They can answer questions about what documents you need, whether you are may be able to access to change online, or where your nearest driver license office is located.
You can also visit a driver license office in person and ask staff for help. They can answer questions about your specific situation and help you fill out forms if needed. Office hours and locations are listed on the Texas DPS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The address change is recorded in the system, and your new card will show the updated address when you renew your license at expiration. You do not pay a fee or receive a new card just for changing your address.
What if I moved out of state — do I still change my Texas address first?
If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver license from that state instead. You can keep your Texas license if you want, but it will show an out-of-state address and may cause confusion. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving there.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You will need to renew your license at the same time. You can change your address by mail or in person even if your license is expired, as long as it has not been suspended or revoked.
How long does it take to change my address if I go in person?
The address change itself is recorded when ready while you are at the office. You do not have to wait for processing. The entire visit usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
What if the DPS says I am not may be able to access to change my address online?
This usually means your license is expired, suspended, or there is a hold on your record. You can still change your address by mail or in person. Contact the DPS to find out why you are not may be able to access online — they can tell you what needs to be resolved first.