The fastest way to change your address on your Texas driver's license

You can update your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website without visiting a driver's license office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. The online service takes about 10 minutes and costs $11. If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you need to update other information at the same time, you will need to visit a DPS office in person.

Texas also allows address changes by mail, though this route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and requires you to mail in your current license. Most people find the online option faster and simpler if they are may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Texas DPS website work only if your license is current and your name has not changed; the fee is $11 and takes about 10 minutes.
  • If your license is expired or your name has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person with proof of residency and your current license or ID.
  • Mailing in your address change is an option but takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your physical license to DPS.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • You do not need to update your address when ready, but doing so before moving helps avoid mail delays and ensures your license matches your current residence.

Updating your address online through the Texas DPS website

Visit the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. Once you are in your account, select the option to change your address and enter your new residential address.

The system will ask you to review your information and confirm the change. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license with the old address until the new one arrives — it remains valid during this time.

This online method works only if your current license is not expired and your legal name has not changed. If either of those conditions applies to you, skip to the in-person section below.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license or ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail showing your new address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

Tell the clerk you need to update your address. The fee is $11 for a standard address change. If your license is expired or your name has changed, the clerk will handle both updates at the same time. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website. Many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays, so visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter waits.

Updating your address by mail

If you prefer not to go online or visit an office, you can mail your address change to DPS. Print the Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website, fill in your new address, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $11 to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). DPS will process your request and mail your updated license back to your new address. This method typically takes two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your materials.

Keep in mind that your current license will be in transit during this time, so you will not have it if you need to show ID before the new one arrives. For this reason, most people choose the online or in-person options instead.

What counts as proof of residency in Texas

Texas DPS accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government-issued mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or bank statement in your name at the new address, a signed lease or rental agreement works. If you are living with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can use that bill along with a signed statement from the person whose name is on it, confirming that you live there.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

After you update your address — whether online, in person, or by mail — DPS will mail your new license to your new address. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can still use it for identification if needed.

If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DPS Driver License office. Have your confirmation number (if you updated online) or the date you submitted your change ready. DPS can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a problem.

Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one — changing your address does not extend the validity of your license. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address, though this requires an in-person visit.

When you must visit a DPS office instead of updating online

You cannot use the online service if your driver's license is expired. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to take the full written test and vision test again, not just update your address. If it expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail or in person without retesting.

You also must visit an office in person if your legal name has changed — for example, through marriage, divorce, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The clerk will update both your name and address at the same time.

If you need to change your address and add a Real ID designation to your license at the same time, you must do this in person. Real ID requires additional documentation beyond proof of residency, so plan for a longer visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No, the online service requires a current license. If your license expired within the last two years, you can renew it by mail or in person without retesting. If it expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DPS office and pass the written and vision tests again. At that time, you can update your address as part of the renewal process.

How much does it cost to change my address on my Texas driver's license?

The fee is $11 for an address change only. If you are renewing your license at the same time, the cost is higher — typically $33 for a standard renewal. Payment can be made online, by check or money order if you are mailing, or in cash or card at a DPS office.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas driver's license?

You can update your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail using the same process. However, most states require you to get a driver's license from your new state within a certain time period — usually 30 to 60 days after establishing residency. Check your new state's requirements to see if you need to explore for a license there.

Do I need to update my address before or after I move?

You can update your address before or after you move. Updating before you move ensures your new license arrives at your new address without delay. If you update after you move, make sure you have proof of residency at the new address (dated within 90 days) ready to provide.

What happens if I move and do not update my driver's license address?

Your license remains valid even if the address is outdated. However, official mail from DPS and other agencies will go to your old address, which can cause delays. If you are pulled over, the address mismatch may raise questions. It is not required by law to update when ready, but doing so prevents mail delays and keeps your records current.