How to Change Your Address on a Texas Driver License

You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you update your driver license address without renewing the license itself. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver license office in person. The address change itself does not require a new photo or a new license card — your current license stays valid.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a Real ID compliant license, how quickly you need the change recorded, and whether you have access to the documents DPS requires. Most people finish the process in one sitting, though mail submissions take one to two weeks for DPS to process.

Key Takeaways

The online address change at the DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is Real ID compliant.
You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start any address change.
If you change your address online, DPS mails you a new address verification document within 7 to 10 business days; your old license remains valid.
In-person changes at a DPS office are processed the same day, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic.
If you moved out of state or your license is not Real ID compliant, you must change your address in person or by mail.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change Address" option under driver license services. You will need your current 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 identity by answering security questions based on your driving history and personal records.

Enter your new Texas address exactly as it appears on mail or utility bills — DPS matches it against address databases to verify it is real. If you moved to a rural area or a new development, the system may not recognize the address format; in that case, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail the form instead. Once you submit the change online, DPS sends you a confirmation email and mails an address verification document to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced.

The online system is only available if your license is Real ID compliant — you can check this by looking at your license for a small star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have the star, you must change your address in person or by mail.

Changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website or request it by calling the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). Fill in your current license number, new address, and date of birth. You do not need to include documents or a fee — DPS processes address changes by mail for free.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the DPS website (it varies by region). Include your old license if you want DPS to note the change on their records, though this is not required. DPS typically processes mail submissions within 7 to 14 business days and mails you an address verification document to your new address. Your old license remains valid during this time.

Mail is the slowest option, so use it only if you cannot access the online system or a DPS office. If you are moving out of state, you must notify DPS by mail or in person before you leave, because the online system only accepts Texas addresses.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current driver license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days all work. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate.

Walk up to the counter and tell the clerk you want to change your address. The clerk will update your record in the system and print a new address verification document on the spot. Your old license card remains valid; you do not receive a new card unless you are renewing your license. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

In-person changes are the best option if you need the address updated when ready, if your address is rural or unusual, or if you are moving out of state. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Check the office locator to see whether your location takes appointments or serves first-come, first-served.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts any of these documents dated within the last 30 days: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a government check or tax form, or mail from a government agency. The document must show your name and your new address. A bank statement or credit card bill does not work, even if it has your name and address.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received mail at the new address — you can use a notarized affidavit of residence. Ask the DPS clerk what form they need, or read the affidavit template from the DPS website. You will need to have it notarized before you bring it to the office, which costs $5 to $15 at most banks, UPS stores, or notary services.

Timeline and what happens after you submit the change

If you change your address online, DPS mails you an address verification document within 7 to 10 business days. If you change it by mail, the verification document arrives within 7 to 14 business days. If you change it in person, you receive the verification document when ready at the counter. In all cases, your old driver license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced.

The address verification document is not a new license — it is a separate piece of paper that confirms DPS has your updated address on file. Keep it with your license. If you need to renew your license later, DPS will print your new address on the renewal card automatically.

If you do not receive the verification document within the expected timeframe, call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-358-3927. Have your license number and new address ready. DPS can confirm whether the change went through and resend the document if needed.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

If you moved out of Texas, you cannot use the online address change system. Instead, mail the "Change of Address" form (Form DL-43) to the DPS address listed on the form, or visit a DPS office before you leave the state. Include a copy of your new address proof — a utility bill, lease, or government mail from your new state.

DPS will update your record and mail an address verification document to your new out-of-state address. Your Texas license remains valid even with an out-of-state address, though you may want to get a license from your new state if you plan to stay there long-term. Check your new state's driver license requirements to see whether you need to transfer your license or take a new test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Changing your address does not trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. DPS mails you an address verification document instead, which confirms your new address is on file. When you renew your license later, the new card will show your current address.

What if I moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet?

You can use a notarized affidavit of residence, which you can get notarized at most banks, UPS stores, or notary services for $5 to $15. Ask the DPS clerk which form they need, or read the template from the DPS website. You must have it notarized before you bring it to the office.

How long does it take DPS to process an address change by mail?

DPS typically processes mail submissions within 7 to 14 business days. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the DPS website. You will receive an address verification document at your new address once the change is processed. Your old license stays valid during this time.

Can I change my address online if my license is not Real ID compliant?

No. The online system only works for Real ID compliant licenses, which have a small star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have the star, you must change your address in person at a DPS office or by mail.

What if the DPS system does not recognize my new address?

Rural or newly developed addresses sometimes do not match DPS databases. If the online system rejects your address, visit a DPS office in person with proof of your new address, or mail the form with a copy of your address proof. The clerk or mail processor can manually enter addresses that the online system cannot verify.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.