You can change your Texas driver's license 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 the online system at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into any driver's license office in person.
Your address on file matters because it's what appears on your physical license and what DPS uses to contact you about renewals or violations. Changing it does not change your license number, expiration date, or any other license details — only the mailing address printed on the card itself.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at dps.texas.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you'll see the change reflected when ready in your DPS record.
- If you change your address online, your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it, but DPS records will be current.
- By mail, you send Form DL-43 with a proof of residency document to the DPS address processing center, and the change takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In person at a DPS office, you bring your license and proof of residency, and the change is recorded the same day.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.
Changing your address online through DPS
Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu. Look for the option labeled "Change Address Online" or "Update Address." You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your record. DPS will ask you to confirm the information before you submit. Once you click submit, the change is complete — you'll see a confirmation screen and receive an email confirmation. Your DPS record updates when ready, so if you call DPS or check your record online later that day, the new address will show.
The physical license card in your wallet will still display your old address until you renew your license. That renewal happens on your normal renewal date — changing your address does not trigger an early renewal. If you need the card itself to show the new address before your renewal date, you'll have to renew early, which costs the standard renewal fee.
Changing your address by mail
read or print Form DL-43 from dps.texas.gov. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, and new address. You must also include one document that proves your residency at the new address.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.
Mail the completed form and proof document to:
Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division P.O. Box 4087 Austin, TX 78773-0001
Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. You won't receive a confirmation in the mail — the change is complete when DPS processes the form. If you want to verify the change went through, you can check your record online at dps.texas.gov after two weeks.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Bring your current Texas driver's license and one proof of residency document (same documents accepted as by mail — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within 60 days). Walk into any DPS driver's license office during business hours.
Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, ask you to confirm your new address, and record the change in the system. The update is complete the same day. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but your DPS record will reflect the new one when ready.
Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. You can find your nearest office and current wait times at dps.texas.gov.
What counts as proof of residency
| Document Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Utility bill | Electric, gas, water, or internet bill showing your name and new address, dated within 60 days |
| Lease or rental agreement | Signed lease showing your name, new address, and current lease period |
| Mortgage statement | Current mortgage statement or property deed showing your name and new address |
| Property tax bill | Current year property tax statement showing your name and new address |
| Government mail | Tax return, voter registration card, or other official mail showing your name and new address, dated within 60 days |
Documents must show both your name and your new address. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" will not work. If you recently moved and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your name, the property address, and move-in date can substitute.
When your physical license card will show the new address
Changing your address online, by mail, or in person updates your DPS record right away, but the plastic license card you carry will not change until you renew. Your license renewal date is printed on the front of your card and is typically every 8 years (or 5 years if you're over 85).
If you want the card itself to display your new address before your normal renewal date, you can renew early. Early renewal costs the same as a regular renewal — currently $25 for a standard 8-year license — and you'll receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov if your license is not suspended or revoked.
For most people, updating the DPS record is enough. Your address on file is what matters for official purposes like vehicle registration, voter registration, and DPS notifications. The address printed on the physical card is secondary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to change my address at a DPS office?
No. DPS driver's license offices operate on a walk-in basis. You can go in during business hours without scheduling ahead. However, some offices in high-traffic areas may have a ticketing system where you take a number when you arrive. Check dps.texas.gov for your local office's hours and policies.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease at my new address yet?
A signed lease agreement counts as proof of residency even if it's not a utility bill. If you don't have a lease, a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date will work. Some people also use a notarized statement of residency, though DPS does not require notarization.
Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?
No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records kept by different DPS divisions. Changing your license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You'll need to update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if you want that address to change as well.
How long does it take to see the address change online?
If you change your address online at dps.texas.gov, the change appears in your DPS record when ready — usually within minutes. If you change it by mail or in person, the change is recorded the same day in person or within 2 to 3 weeks by mail. You can verify the change by logging into your DPS record online.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
Yes. You can change your address even if your license is suspended, expired, or revoked. The address change does not depend on the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online — you'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first before you can get a new card.