Where to change your address and what you'll need

You can change your address on a Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, online through the DPS website, by mail, or by phone. The fastest route is online if your license is current and you have a valid email address — the change takes effect when ready and costs nothing. If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days will work).

The address change itself does not require you to renew your license or pay a fee. You keep the same license number and expiration date. If your license is expired or will expire within 60 days, the DPS may require you to renew it at the same time, which does cost money — currently $33 for a four-year renewal or $66 for an eight-year renewal in Texas, though fees can change.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is free and takes effect when ready if your license is current.
  • In-person changes at a DPS office require your current license and one document showing your new address dated within 90 days.
  • You can also change your address by mail or phone, though these methods take longer than online or in-person visits.
  • An address change does not cost anything unless your license is expiring soon and requires renewal at the same time.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website 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. The system will ask you to confirm your current address, then enter your new address. You must have a valid email address on file because the DPS will send you a confirmation email.

Once you submit the change online, it takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS records show your new address. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can request one at a DPS office or through the mail, though this is optional and may have a small fee.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer online scheduling. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address and is dated within the last 90 days — acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.

The staff member will verify your identity, check your address document, and update your record. The change takes effect when ready. Like the online method, you keep your current license card, and your new address appears in the DPS system right away. If you want a replacement card with the new address printed on it, ask the staff member — they can usually issue one on the spot, though there may be a fee.

Changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from the Texas DPS website (form DL-43). Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number, current address, new address, and signature. Make a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and include one document showing your new address dated within 90 days.

Mail the completed form, your license copy, and your address proof to the address listed on the form. The DPS will process your request and mail you a confirmation. This method takes two to three weeks. Your address will be updated in the DPS system, but you will not receive a new physical license card unless you request one separately.

Changing your address by phone

Call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6556. Have your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address ready. The representative will verify your identity and update your address in the system. This method is slower than online or in-person because the DPS will mail you a confirmation letter, which takes several days to arrive.

Like other methods, the phone change does not issue a new physical license card. Your address updates in the DPS system, but your current card still shows the old address. You can request a replacement card at a DPS office if you need one printed with your new address.

What happens if your license is expiring soon

If your license expires within 60 days of when you try to change your address, the DPS may require you to renew your license at the same time. This means you will pay the renewal fee ($33 for four years or $66 for eight years) in addition to the address change. You can renew online, in person, or by mail using the same methods described above.

If your license has already expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew the license first. An expired license cannot be updated; it must be replaced with a new one. Go to a DPS office with your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity to renew and update your address at the same time.

What documents count 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), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail all work. Some offices also accept mail from your employer, insurance company, or school if it shows your name and address. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo of the document usually does not work.

If you do not have any of these documents yet (for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at your new address), ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept. Some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of your new address, though this varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address on my license if I move?

Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine. However, the main reason to change it is practical: your license is your ID, and having an outdated address can cause problems with law enforcement, voting, or mail delivery.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online system only works for current licenses. If your license is expired, you must renew it first, either in person at a DPS office or by mail. You can update your address as part of the renewal process.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Mail-in address changes typically take two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. Your address updates in the DPS system during this time, but you will not receive a new physical card unless you request one.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

Not automatically. When you change your address online, by phone, or by mail, your current card remains valid even though it shows the old address. If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can request one at a DPS office or through the mail, though this may have a small fee.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Contact your nearest DPS office and ask what alternatives they accept. Some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord, a notarized statement, or other documents depending on your situation. Having something in writing from your landlord is usually your best option if you have just moved.