You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you update your address on your driver's license without renewing the license itself. The fastest route is the online change through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer mail or in-person, both work but take longer — mail typically takes two to three weeks, and in-person visits depend on your local office's wait times.
You do not need a new photo or to retake a test. The address change updates your record and prints on your next renewal or replacement card. Your current license remains valid at the old address until it expires.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option, completing in minutes if your information matches their records.
- By mail, you send a completed form DL-43 with proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form, and it takes two to three weeks.
- In-person changes at any DPS office require proof of residency and a valid ID, and you walk out with an updated license the same day.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days showing your new address.
- Your current license stays valid at the old address until expiration; the new address appears on your next renewal or replacement card.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Visit the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify this information against DPS records.
If the verification succeeds, you enter your new address and confirm it. The change posts to your record when ready. You do not receive a new card — your current license remains valid, and the address updates appear when you renew or replace it later. There is no fee for this change.
If the online system cannot verify your information, you will see a message telling you to use the mail or in-person method instead. This sometimes happens if your name, date of birth, or Social Security number in the DPS system does not match exactly what you enter.
Mailing in a change-of-address form
read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign and date the form. Attach proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work.
Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives it. You will not receive a confirmation letter; the change straightforward posts to your record. If you need to verify the change went through, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 after two weeks and provide your license number.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your proof of residency document gets lost in transit, you have a copy to resubmit.
Updating your address in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license and proof of residency. Bring an original or certified copy of your proof document — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A photocopy is not accepted.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your information, update your record, and issue you a new license card on the spot with your new address printed on it. There is no fee for an address change. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You can find your nearest DPS office and current wait times on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time.
What counts as proof of residency
Texas DPS accepts these documents as proof you live at your new address: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days.
If you just moved and do not have a document in your name yet, some offices will accept a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead confirming your residency, along with a copy of your lease. Call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept in your situation before you go in.
Documents in a spouse's name do not work unless you are listed on the account. A utility bill in only your spouse's name will not be accepted.
Timing and what happens to your current license
Your current driver's license remains valid and legal to use after you change your address. The old address on the card does not make it invalid. You can drive, use it for identification, and present it to police without issue.
The new address appears on your next renewal or replacement card. If you renew your license in the normal cycle (every 8 years for most adults), the new card will show the updated address. If you need a replacement card sooner — because yours is lost, damaged, or you want the new address printed when ready — you can request a replacement at any DPS office for a fee (currently $11 for a replacement, though fees can change).
If you move again before your address change processes, update it again using the same method. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address.
If your online change is rejected or does not go through
The online system sometimes rejects changes because the information in the DPS database does not match exactly what you enter. Common reasons include a middle initial, a suffix like Jr. or III, or a hyphenated last name being recorded differently than you type it. If this happens, try entering your name exactly as it appears on your current license.
If the online method still does not work after you try again, use the mail or in-person method instead. Both are equally valid and do not take much longer. In-person is fastest if you have time to visit a DPS office.
If you believe your information in the DPS system is incorrect (for example, your name is misspelled), you will need to correct that first before changing your address. Call DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to report the error and ask what documents they need to fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license right away after I move?
No. Texas law does not set a important date for updating your address on your license. However, it is a good idea to update it within a reasonable time so your license matches where you actually live. If you are pulled over and your address is very old, an officer may ask questions, though an outdated address alone is not a violation.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired license to change the address. If your license is expired, you need to renew it first. You can renew and change your address at the same time by going to a DPS office in person or by mail.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Call your local DPS office and explain your situation. Many offices will accept a letter from your landlord or property manager on company letterhead, a copy of your lease, and a piece of mail showing your new address. Requirements can vary by office, so asking first saves a wasted trip.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address with DPS does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may want to know about your move for rating purposes, but that is a separate conversation with them. Notify your insurance company of your new address directly.
How long does it take to get a new license card with my new address printed on it?
If you change your address online or by mail, the new address does not print on a card until your next renewal or replacement. If you want a card with the new address when ready, request a replacement card in person at a DPS office for a fee (currently $11). That card is printed and issued the same day.