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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is online through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired, you are out of state, or you need to update other information at the same time, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a form.

You do not need a new photo or to retake a test. The address change itself takes a few minutes online, or about 15 to 30 minutes in person at an office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method works only if your license is current (not expired) and you have not changed your name since it was issued.
  • You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change it online.
  • If you cannot use the online method, you can mail Form DL-43 to DPS or visit a DPS office in person with your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days showing your new address.
  • There is no fee to change your address on an unexpired license.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option in the driver license section. You will enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to confirm your new address.

Once you submit the change online, your updated license should be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary document — your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. The online method is free and does not require you to visit an office or mail anything in.

This method only works if your license has not expired and your name has not changed. If either of those is true, skip to the in-person or mail sections below.

Mailing in a change of address form

read Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current information and your new address. You will need to include a copy of your current driver license and proof that you live at the new address.

Mail the completed form, your license copy, and your proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no fee for a change of address on an unexpired license.

Proof of address must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver license and proof of your new address to any DPS office. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online scheduling system — check the DPS website for your local office's policy before you go.

The staff will verify your information, update your address in the system, and issue you a new license on the spot. You will walk out with your updated license the same day. There is no fee for this change if your license has not expired.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Early mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or weekends. If your office offers online scheduling, booking a time slot can save you from waiting in line.

What counts as proof of your new address

Your proof of address must be an original document (not a photocopy) that shows your name, your new address, and a date within the last 30 days. A few documents that work are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration notice.

Documents that do not work include bank statements, credit card statements, insurance documents, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.

If your license is expired or your name has changed

An expired license cannot be updated by address change alone — you will need to renew it. A name change also requires a renewal process, not just an address update. In both cases, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a renewal process (Form DL-44) along with proof of your new address and documents supporting the name change if applicable.

Renewal takes longer than a straightforward address change and may involve a new photo and vision test. Check the DPS website for the full list of documents needed for renewal, as the requirements depend on whether you are renewing in person or by mail.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

If you change your address online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in Form DL-43, allow 4 to 6 weeks. If you change it in person at a DPS office, you receive your new license when ready.

Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else — DPS will mail your updated license to the address you provided. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact DPS to check the status of your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything if I change my address online?

No. The online method requires only your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You do not need to mail or bring any documents.

Can I use a PO box as my new address?

No. DPS requires a physical street address. A PO box cannot be used as your mailing address on your license, though you can have your license mailed to a PO box if you provide a physical address for the license itself.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

You can change your address again using any of the three methods. If you are changing it online a second time, use the same process. If you prefer, you can wait for the first license to arrive and then change the address again, though that takes longer overall.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on an unexpired license is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time or if your license has already expired.

How do I know if my change went through?

If you changed your address online, you will receive a confirmation on screen. If you mailed in a form or visited an office, DPS will mail your new license to your updated address. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact DPS to verify the change was processed.