The fastest way to change your address on your Texas license
You can update your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website without visiting a driver's license office, as long as your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $11, and you'll receive your updated license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is expired, you cannot use the online method — you'll need to renew it in person at a DPS office and update your address at the same time. The same applies if you need to change your name, correct your photograph, or update your license class.
Texas also allows you to update your address by mail or in person, though both take longer than the online option. Mail processing typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, and in-person visits require a trip to your local DPS office during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at the Texas DPS website is the fastest method and costs $11, with your updated license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must have a valid (non-expired) license to use the online method; expired licenses require an in-person renewal appointment.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online process.
- If you move to a new county in Texas, you do not need to retake your driving test, but you must update your address within 30 days of moving.
- Address changes by mail take 3 to 4 weeks; in-person changes at a DPS office are processed the same day but require an appointment.
Updating your address online through the Texas DPS website
Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety's online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Change Address" under the Driver's License section. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your new address. Have a debit or credit card ready to pay the $11 fee.
The system will verify your identity using information from your license record. Once you confirm your new address and complete payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
This method works only if your license is currently valid and not expired. If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject your request and direct you to renew in person instead.
Updating your address in person at a DPS office
Visit your local Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your new address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
You must schedule an appointment before you go. Use the online appointment system at dps.texas.gov to find your nearest office and book a time slot. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. The address change is processed when ready, and you'll receive your updated license on the spot if you're renewing at the same time. If you're only changing your address on a valid license, the new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person visits cost $11 for an address change only. If you're renewing your license at the same time, the fee is higher and depends on your license type and renewal period.
Updating your address by mail
Complete form DL-43 (Change of Address) and mail it to the Texas Department of Public Safety with a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your new address. You can read the form from the DPS website or request it by phone at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329).
Mail your completed form and documents to:
Texas Department of Public Safety Driver's License Division P.O. Box 4087 Austin, TX 78773-0001
Processing by mail takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. Include a check or money order for $11 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address once processing is complete.
What counts as proof of residency in Texas
Texas accepts several documents as proof of your new address. The most common are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, or government mail such as a tax bill or voter registration card. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If you don't have any of these, you can use a notarized affidavit of residency signed by a notary public. Some DPS offices also accept a letter from a homeless shelter or transitional housing program if you're currently without a permanent address. Call your local DPS office to confirm what documents they accept before you visit.
You do not need proof of residency if you're updating your address online — the DPS system verifies your identity through your license record instead. Proof of residency is required only for in-person and mail-in changes.
Updating your address when you move between Texas counties
Moving to a different county within Texas does not require you to retake your driving test or get a new license number. You straightforward update your address through any of the three methods above. Your license remains valid for the rest of its term, and your driving record follows you to your new county automatically.
However, Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to $200 if you're stopped by law enforcement. If you're moving out of state, you'll need to get a new license from your new state within a timeframe set by that state's DMV.
If you move and your vehicle registration is also out of date, you can update your vehicle address at the same time through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or at a local county tax assessor's office.
Timelines and costs for each method
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $11 | 7–10 business days | Valid license, debit or credit card |
| In-person | $11 | Same day (if address-only change); 7–10 days if renewing | Valid license, proof of residency, appointment |
| By mail | $11 | 3–4 weeks | Form DL-43, proof of residency, check or money order |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my address if my license is expired?
No. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at a DPS office. You can update your address as part of the renewal process. The online address-change tool works only for valid, non-expired licenses.
Do I need to update my vehicle registration when I change my address?
Yes, Texas requires you to update your vehicle registration within 30 days of moving. You can do this through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or at your local county tax assessor's office. Your vehicle registration and driver's license address do not have to match, but both must reflect your current address.
What if I don't receive my updated license within 10 business days?
Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329) with your confirmation number. They can track your license and resend it if it was lost in the mail. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.
Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be updated online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in form DL-43. CDL renewals and address changes require additional verification and cannot be processed through the online system.
What happens if I don't update my address within 30 days?
Driving with an outdated address on your license is not a criminal offense, but it can result in a fine of up to $200 if you're stopped by law enforcement. More importantly, official mail from the state will go to your old address, and you may miss renewal notices or court documents.