You can update your Texas driver license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you change your address without renewing your entire license. The fastest route is the online system if your license is current and you have a valid email address on file. If you cannot use the online option, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person — both take longer but work if your circumstances don't fit the online path.

You do not need to pay a fee to update your address. The change takes effect when ready online, or within one to two weeks by mail or in-person, depending on processing time at your local office.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at txdps.texas.gov works only if your license is not expired and you have an email address already registered with DPS.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 (Change of Address) with a proof of residency document to the DPS address listed on the form.
  • In person, you bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any DPS office.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your new address and dated within the last 90 days.
  • You do not receive a new physical license card when you update your address — the change is recorded in the DPS system.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to txdps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change of Address" and log in with your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your email address — DPS will send a confirmation link to that email, and you must click it within 24 hours to complete the change.

This method works only if your license has not expired and you do not have any suspensions or holds on your record. If the system tells you that you cannot proceed online, you will need to use the mail or in-person option instead. The address change shows up in the DPS database right away, though it may take a few hours for the system to fully update.

Mailing in a change of address form

read Form DL-43 from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach one document that proves your residency at the new address — this must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and address.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form itself. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You do not need to include payment. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver license, one proof of residency document dated within the last 90 days, and one document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Walk in to any DPS office during business hours — you do not need an appointment for an address change.

Tell the staff member you want to update your address. They will verify your documents, update the system, and you will be done. The change is recorded when ready. Processing times vary by office; some locations are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

What counts as proof of residency

DPS accepts documents that show your name, your new address, and a recent date. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can use a notarized letter from that person stating you live at that address, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease. This takes more time to prepare, so plan ahead if you go this route.

When you need a new physical license card

Updating your address does not trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it — the DPS system straightforward records your new address internally. Law enforcement and DPS staff can see the updated address when they scan or look up your license.

You will receive a new card with your updated address printed on it only when you renew your license at the end of its validity period. If you want a new card sooner for personal reasons, you can request a duplicate license, which costs a small fee and takes the same time as a regular renewal.

Updating your address if your license is expired or suspended

The online method will not work if your license has expired or is suspended. You must use the mail or in-person option instead. If your license is suspended, DPS will not process an address change until the suspension is lifted — contact DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

If your license is straightforward expired, you can still update your address by mail or in person. However, you may want to renew your license at the same time, since an expired license cannot be used for identification. DPS can tell you whether it makes sense to renew and update the address together or do them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to update my address?

Online changes take effect when ready. By mail, expect one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your form. In person, the change is recorded right away, though the office may have a wait depending on how busy it is that day.

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

No. Your current card stays valid. The DPS system records your new address, and it shows up when your license is scanned or looked up. You will get a new card with the updated address only when you renew your license at the end of its term.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name?

You can use a bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement, or a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with a copy of that bill. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes, but only by mail or in person — the online system will not work. However, you may want to renew your license at the same time, since an expired license cannot be used for identification. DPS staff can advise you on the best path.

What if I moved out of state?

You cannot update a Texas license to an out-of-state address. You will need to get a driver license from your new state. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but you should not use it as your primary license if you now live elsewhere.