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 early. The fastest route is the online system at the DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver license office in person — both are free, though the mail route takes longer.

Your current Texas driver's license must still be valid (not expired). If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it instead of just changing the address. The address change itself does not extend your license expiration date or cost a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • You can also mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address processing center, though processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Walking into any Texas driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address completes the change the same day.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address, as long as your license is not already expired.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your updated address if you change it online or by mail; in-person changes are reflected when ready on your current card.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and locate the online address change tool. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license, then confirm the change. The system will show you a confirmation number when ready.

After you submit the change online, DPS will mail you a new license card with your updated address. This usually takes one to two weeks. Your old license remains valid until it expires, but the new card is what you should carry once it arrives. There is no cost for this service.

Mailing Form DL-43 to update your address

If you prefer to update by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or any driver license office. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.

Mail the completed form and proof to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives it. Like the online method, you'll receive a new license card by mail at your new address. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

Updating your address in person at a driver license office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document showing your new address to any DPS driver license office. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The office staff will update your address in the system on the spot. Your current license card is updated when ready and you can leave with the change complete. A new license card will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks as a backup record, but you don't have to wait for it — your in-person change takes effect right away.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners insurance declarations, and bank or credit card statements also work. Government mail — such as a tax return or voter registration card — is acceptable if it shows your new address.

The document must be an original or certified copy; a photo of a bill usually won't work if you're updating in person, though the online system doesn't require you to upload proof at all. If you're mailing Form DL-43, include a copy of your proof document with the form.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online changes are confirmed when ready, and your new license ships within one to two weeks. Mail submissions take two to three weeks to process after DPS receives them, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person changes are complete when ready, though you'll still receive a new card by mail as a backup.

Your old license remains valid and legal to use until it expires, even after you've changed your address. You don't need to destroy it or turn it in. Once your new card arrives, use that one instead. If you move again before your license expires, you can change the address again using any of these same methods at no cost.

If your license is already expired or expiring soon

A straightforward address change only works if your license is still valid. If your license has already expired, you must renew it instead — renewal includes an address update and costs a renewal fee. If your license expires within the next 30 days, you may want to renew rather than change the address, since you'll be paying for renewal anyway and can update the address as part of that process.

Check your license expiration date before you start. If it's already past or within a month, look into renewal options instead. DPS can tell you the difference in cost and time between a straightforward address change and a full renewal if you call their customer service line.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. DPS mails you a new card with the updated address whether you change online, by mail, or in person. If you update in person, the change is active when ready on your current card, but a new one is mailed as the official record. You don't pay for the new card — the address change is free.

Can I change my address if I'm out of state?

Yes. The online method works from anywhere and requires no documents. If you prefer mail, you can send Form DL-43 and proof of your new address from any location. You cannot update in person at a DPS office unless you're physically in Texas, but the online and mail routes are available to you wherever you are.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

If you're moving and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, use the online method — it doesn't require you to upload or mail proof. For in-person or mail updates, wait until you have a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address, or ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your move-in date.

Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?

No. An address change does not extend your license or change when it expires. Your expiration date stays the same whether you update your address or not. If your license is expiring soon, you'll need to renew separately when the time comes.

How long does it take to receive my new license card in the mail?

One to two weeks is typical for all methods — online, mail, or in-person. Mail delivery times can vary depending on your location and postal service delays. Your old license is still valid to use while you wait for the new card to arrive.