Where to update your Texas driver license address

You can update your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online option is the fastest if your license is current and you have not changed your name. Mail takes about two to three weeks. In-person visits at a DPS office typically take 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address update is a separate transaction. Your license expiration date stays the same. If your license has already expired or you need to change your name at the same time, you will need to renew instead of straightforward updating the address.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address updates through the DPS website work only if your license is current and valid, you have not changed your name, and you have a valid payment method.
  • By mail, you send your current license, a completed form DL-43, and proof of your new address to the DPS; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person updates at any DPS driver license office require your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and proof of identity.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days showing your new address.
  • You cannot update your address online if your license is expired, suspended, or cancelled, or if you have changed your name.

Online address update through the DPS website

Visit the Texas DPS website and select the option to update your address online. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address. You can pay the update fee (currently $11.25) with a debit or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number.

Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must use the mail or in-person method.

Updating by mail

read or request form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form with your new address. Include your current driver license, a copy of proof of residency at your new address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 30 days), and a check or money order for $11.25 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail the packet to the address listed on the form DL-43. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your materials. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. Keep your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact DPS to check the status of your request.

In-person update at a DPS driver license office

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current driver license, proof of identity, and proof of residency at your new address. Proof of identity can be your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. Proof of residency must show your new address and be dated within the last 30 days — acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail.

Bring the originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for proof documents. You will complete form DL-43 at the office. The fee is $11.25, payable by cash, check, or card. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

What counts as proof of residency

Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 30 days. The Texas DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank or credit card statements, and government-issued mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards. Insurance documents, school records, and employment letters do not count as proof of residency.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you may be able to use a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your new address. Call your local DPS office before visiting to confirm whether they will accept an alternative document in your situation.

Timeline and what to expect

Online updates are the fastest option: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail updates take two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your materials, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person updates also result in a license mailed within 7 to 10 business days. In all cases, your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving and using it as identification.

If you need your address updated urgently — for example, for a job or housing requirement — the in-person method is your best option because you can complete it the same day and receive confirmation when ready. You will have a receipt showing your new address on file with DPS even before your physical license arrives in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my driver license address if I move to a new house?

Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a traffic citation. However, the address change does not affect your driving record or insurance — it is a records update only.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead of straightforward updating the address. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and includes a new photo. You cannot renew online in Texas.

What if I changed my name and my address at the same time?

You must renew your license, not just update the address. Name changes require an in-person visit to a DPS office and a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency at your new address.

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

Most updated licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after DPS processes your request. Mail delivery time varies by location. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

Can someone else update my address for me?

No. You must update your own address. For online updates, you need your license number and personal information. For mail or in-person updates, you must sign the form yourself. If you are unable to visit an office, the mail option allows you to handle it from home.