Where to change your address on your Texas driver's license
You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office. The online method is the fastest if your license is current and you have not had any recent address changes rejected by the state.
The in-person route at a local DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You walk in, take a number, and a clerk processes the change while you wait. Mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope — but requires no trip and no appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver's license office, and the online method is fastest if your license is current.
- In person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or passport.
- Online changes cost nothing and take effect when ready, but you will not receive a new physical card — your old one remains valid with the new address in the system.
- By mail, send a completed DL-43 form, a copy of your current license, and proof of address to the DPS address listed on their website.
- If you moved out of state or your license is expired, you must renew in person rather than change the address alone.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address Online" option under driver's license services. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
The online change costs nothing and takes effect right away in the DPS system. Your current driver's license card stays valid — you do not receive a new one in the mail. This means your physical card will still show your old address, but law enforcement and government offices can see the new address when they look up your record. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license in person, which costs money and takes longer.
The online system will reject your request if your license is expired, if you have an active suspension or denial, or if you have changed your address too many times recently. If that happens, you will see an error message telling you to visit a DPS office or call the DPS customer service line.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the Texas DPS website. Most offices do not take appointments, so you arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and early in the month.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. Proof of identity can be your Social Security card, passport, birth certificate, or military ID.
The clerk will take your documents, verify the information, and process the change. You can pay a small fee to receive a new physical card with your new address printed on it, or you can decline and keep your current card — either way, the address change goes into the system when ready. If you choose a new card, it arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Changing your address by mail
read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website. This is the "process for Texas Driver License" form, but you will fill out only the address section. Print it, sign it, and include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and proof of your new address (same documents accepted in person: utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 90 days).
Mail the envelope to the address listed on the DPS website for address changes — this address is different from the main DPS office, so check the website to make sure you send it to the right place. Include your name and current license number on the outside of the envelope so DPS can track it.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your mail. You will not receive a new card unless you pay an extra fee for one; if you do not pay, your current card remains valid with the new address in the system. DPS will send you a confirmation letter to your new address once the change is complete.
What happens if your license is expired or you moved out of state
If your driver's license is expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew your license. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and costs more than an address change. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
If you moved to Texas from another state, you have 60 days to get a Texas driver's license. You cannot straightforward change your address on an out-of-state license — you must explore for a new Texas license in person. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number.
How long the address change takes to show up
If you change your address online or in person, the change appears in the DPS system when ready. Law enforcement can see your new address the same day if they run your license through their system.
If you change your address by mail, the change takes effect once DPS processes your envelope, which is usually two to three weeks. During that time, your record still shows your old address. If you need the change to take effect faster, go in person instead.
Your vehicle registration does not automatically update when you change your driver's license address. You will need to update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — this is a different agency from DPS. You can renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.
What to do if you need a replacement card with your new address
If you change your address online, your current card stays valid but shows the old address. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you must go in person to a DPS office and pay a fee for a replacement card. The new card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you change your address in person, the clerk will ask whether you want to pay for a new card. If you say yes, you pay the fee and receive a new card in the mail. If you say no, your current card remains valid and you do not pay anything extra.
If you change your address by mail, you can request a new card by checking a box on the DL-43 form and including the fee. Otherwise, your current card stays valid with the old address printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license?
Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a change of address within a certain timeframe, though the exact important date varies depending on your situation. It is not optional, but the state does not penalize you when ready if you do not update it right away. However, keeping your address current helps avoid problems if you are pulled over or need to renew your license.
Can I change my address if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
No. DPS requires a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, you can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government mail. If you have none of these, wait until one arrives before you change your address.
What if I change my address online but then move again before my new card arrives?
If you change your address online, no new card is mailed to you — your old card stays valid. If you move again, you can change your address online again at any time. If you had paid for a replacement card in person, you would need to contact DPS to update the mailing address for that card before it ships.
Does changing my driver's license address change my vehicle registration address too?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles separately. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.
What if DPS rejects my online address change?
The system will tell you why — usually because your license is expired, you have a suspension, or you have changed your address too many times recently. If that happens, visit a DPS office in person or call DPS customer service to find out what you need to do next.