You can update 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 change your address without renewing your license early. The fastest method is the online portal 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 DPS driver license office with proof of your new address.

You do not need to get a new license card printed unless yours is expiring soon or you want a physical update. The address change itself is recorded in the system when ready (online) or within a few business days (by mail or in person). Police, courts, and other agencies can see the updated address right away.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at dps.texas.gov is the fastest and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof of your new address.
  • By mail, you send form DL-43 with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address to the DPS address on the form.
  • In person, bring your current license and one document proving your new address to any DPS office during business hours.
  • Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license early or pay any fee.
  • Your updated address appears in the system within hours (online) or a few business days (mail or in person).

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" or "Update Driver License Information." You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

After you log in, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof document (see below for what counts). Review the information for accuracy, then submit. The system will confirm the change when ready and send you a confirmation number. Write down or save this number in case you need to reference it later.

The address change takes effect right away in the DPS database. Law enforcement, courts, and other agencies that check your license will see the new address within hours. You do not receive a new physical card unless you request one, and there is no charge for the address change.

Mailing a form to update your address

read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from dps.texas.gov or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your name, driver's license number, and new address. You must also include one document that proves your new address — see the section below for what DPS accepts.

Mail the completed form and your proof document to the address listed on the form itself (this varies by region, so check the form). Do not mail your actual driver's license. DPS processes mail requests within 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; the change is recorded in the system, and you can verify it by logging into your online DPS account or calling the DPS customer service line.

Keep a copy of what you mailed for your records. If you do not see the change reflected after two weeks, contact DPS to confirm receipt.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS driver license office at dps.texas.gov/divisions/driver-license/locations. Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document proving your new address (see below). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online check-in system — check the office location page before you go.

Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will scan your proof document, verify your information, and process the change on the spot. The update is recorded when ready. You will not receive a new card unless you pay for one or your license is expiring within a certain timeframe (DPS can tell you if that applies). There is no fee for the address change itself.

What documents prove your new address

DPS accepts one current document showing your name and new address. The most common are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a recent bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your full name and complete new address.

If your name on the document does not match your license exactly (for example, you use a middle initial on one but not the other), bring a second document that shows both versions of your name, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. A PO box does not count as a residential address for driver's license purposes.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet (for example, you just moved and the account is still in someone else's name), ask the person whose name is on the bill to write a letter on their letterhead stating that you live at that address, and bring that letter plus the utility bill. Some DPS offices accept this; call ahead to confirm.

Timeline and what to expect after you update

Online changes take effect when ready. By mail or in person, the change is recorded within one business day. Your updated address will appear in law enforcement databases, court systems, and other government records that pull from the DPS database within hours to a few days.

You will not receive a new physical license card unless you request one (and pay the renewal fee) or your license is expiring soon. Your current card remains valid; the address on the card itself does not change, but the address in the system does. When you renew your license in the future, the new card will show your current address.

If you need a new card printed with your updated address before your renewal date, you can request one at any DPS office or online for a fee (the cost varies). This is optional and not necessary for the address change to be official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address on my driver's license when I move?

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a change of address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date stated in statute, but DPS recommends doing it within 30 days. Failing to update can result in a citation if you are stopped by police, though enforcement is rare.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. Address changes are processed regardless of the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally, and the address change does not restore your driving rights. You must resolve the suspension or revocation separately.

What if I move to another state?

You should obtain a driver's license in your new state. Texas will not update your address to an out-of-state location. Once you have a license in your new state, you can surrender your Texas license to that state's DMV, or straightforward stop using it.

How do I check if my address change went through?

Log into your online DPS account at dps.texas.gov using your license number and date of birth. Your current address on file will be displayed. If you updated by mail or in person and do not see the change after a few days, call the DPS customer service line or visit an office to confirm.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do them online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you request a new physical card printed with your updated address before your renewal date.