You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license card. The fastest route is online through the DPS website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired, suspended, or you need a new photo, you will have to visit a DPS office in person or mail in a form.

Texas gives you 30 days after you move to update your address. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change — only for a replacement card if you want the new address printed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes take a few minutes and work only if your license is valid and your name has not changed.
  • If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit a DPS office or mail Form DL-43 with proof of residency.
  • A mailed form takes two to three weeks; an in-person visit at a DPS office is usually faster.
  • You can keep your current license card and just update the address in the DPS system, or pay for a replacement card with the new address printed on it.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. 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 ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.

Online changes work only if your license is not expired and your name matches the DPS record exactly. If you changed your name since you got your license, or if your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. The address update takes effect when ready in the DPS database, though your physical card will still show the old address unless you order a replacement.

Mailing a form to DPS if your license is expired or suspended

If you cannot use the online system, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your new address and sign the form. You will also need to include proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days usually works.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. Include a check or money order if you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it; an address-only change in the system is free. Send everything to the DPS mailing address shown on the form — different regions may have different addresses.

Visiting a DPS office in person

Find your nearest DPS Driver License office on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number if you do not have it on your license. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

A staff member will update your address in the system on the spot. If you want a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you will pay a fee at that time. If you only need the address changed in the DPS database, there is no charge. The new card arrives by mail in about two weeks if you order one.

Understanding proof of residency documents

DPS accepts several types of documents as proof you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within 90 days is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement also work if they show your name and current address.

The document must be dated within 90 days of when you submit it. If you just moved and do not have a bill yet in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some DPS offices will accept that temporarily while you wait for an official bill.

Replacement cards and when you need one

Your current driver's license remains valid even after you change your address in the DPS system. Police and other officials can see your updated address when they scan your license. You do not have to order a replacement card unless you want the new address printed on the physical card itself.

A replacement card costs money — the exact fee depends on how long your current license is valid for. If your license expires soon anyway, you might wait and get a new one at renewal time instead of paying for a replacement now. If you need the new address on your card right away for banking, housing, or other reasons, order it when you change your address.

What to do if you move out of state or your license expires

If you move to another state, you will eventually need a driver's license from that state. Texas does not let you keep a Texas license with an out-of-state address. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, so check your new state's requirements.

If your Texas license expires before you move, you can still change the address in the DPS system, but you cannot renew it by mail or online if you are out of state. You would need to visit a DPS office in Texas or handle renewal through your new state's licensing authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an address change to show up?

Online changes are when ready in the DPS system. Mailed forms take two to three weeks. In-person changes at a DPS office happen the same day. Your physical card will still show the old address unless you order a replacement, which arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Do I have to get a new license card when I move?

No. Your current card stays valid. Police and officials can see your updated address when they scan your license, even though the card itself still shows the old address. You only need a replacement card if you want the new address printed on it.

What if I do not have a utility bill yet at my new address?

Ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some DPS offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for an official bill in your name. A lease or rental agreement also works if it shows your name and new address.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

Yes, but you cannot do it online. You will need to mail Form DL-43 with proof of residency or visit a DPS office in person. The address change does not affect the suspension status — you will still need to clear the suspension through the proper channels.

What if I moved and did not change my address within 30 days?

There is no penalty for changing your address late. You can update it anytime using any of the three methods. However, if you are pulled over or stopped, having an outdated address on your license could raise questions, so updating it sooner is better.