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 route is the online system if you have a Real ID-compliant license or passport card. If you don't have those documents or prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person.

The method you choose depends on what documents you have on hand and how quickly you need the change recorded. Online takes minutes. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at txdps.texas.gov works only if your current license is Real ID-compliant or you have a passport card to verify your identity.
  • Mailing a completed DL-43 form with proof of residency to DPS takes one to two weeks and costs nothing.
  • Visiting a DPS driver's license office in person is the only option if you don't have Real ID or a passport card, and the change is recorded when ready.
  • Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your new address.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to txdps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. You'll find a link for "Change Address." The system will ask you to log in or create an account, then verify your identity using your Real ID-compliant license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, or by uploading a photo of your passport card.

Once verified, enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. You'll receive a confirmation email. Your license itself doesn't change — the address update is recorded in the DPS database and will appear on your next renewal or replacement. If you need a physical copy of your updated information before then, you can request a duplicate license at the same time, though there is a fee for that.

This method works only if your current license displays the Real ID star in the top right corner. If your license doesn't have that star, you'll need to use the mail or in-person option instead.

Mailing a form to update your address

read or print the DL-43 form from the DPS website. Fill in your name, driver's license number, and new address. You'll also need to include proof that you live at that address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail postmarked within the last 30 days all work.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. You won't receive a new physical license, but your address will be updated in the system. Like the online method, the change shows up on your next renewal.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you want confirmation that DPS received your form, consider using certified mail with a return receipt.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest driver's license office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Bring your current license and one document proving your new address — the same documents accepted by mail work here. You don't need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online scheduling system, so check ahead.

The staff member will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record on the spot. Your physical license doesn't change unless you request a duplicate, which has a separate fee. The address update is when ready in the DPS system.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less busy than lunch hours or late afternoons. If your office is very busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents that show your name and new address and were issued or postmarked within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail all may have access to. Some offices also accept recent bank statements or insurance documents with your address printed on them.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or photocopy usually won't work. If you're moving and don't have a document yet in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 30 days. Some DPS offices accept this as a temporary substitute while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive.

Timeline and what to expect after you update

Online and in-person updates are recorded when ready in the DPS database. Mail takes one to two weeks depending on processing volume. Once your address is updated, it appears in the system right away — police officers, courts, and other agencies can see the new address when they look up your license.

Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it or request a duplicate. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can request a duplicate license at any DPS office or through the online system. There is a fee for a duplicate, which varies but is typically under $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address before my license expires?

No. You can update your address at any time, and it doesn't affect your license expiration date. The address change is recorded in the system whether or not your physical card is updated. However, it's a good idea to update it soon after moving so that official mail reaches you and your records stay current.

What if I don't have proof of residency yet?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or mortgage company for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming you live there, dated within 30 days. Some DPS offices accept this temporarily. You can also wait until a utility bill, lease, or other official document arrives in your name at the new address, then update then.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address on an expired license through any method — online, mail, or in person. However, if your license is expired and you're driving, you should renew it as well. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if the address is current.

Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Updating your address with DPS does not change your driving record or ticket history. Your insurance company has your address on file separately; notify them directly of your move so they have current information. Some insurers offer discounts for address changes, so it's worth telling them.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Texas, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Texas address. You can keep your Texas license if you want, but most states require you to get a license there within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements.