How to change your address on a Texas driver's license or ID

You can change your address on a Texas driver's license or ID card without renewing the entire document. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and costs nothing — but it only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name.

If your license is expired, your name has changed, or you prefer to handle it in person, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a form. Each route has different requirements and timelines, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about five minutes if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
  • If your license is expired or your name has changed, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43 with proof of your new address.
  • In-person visits at a DPS office usually take 30 minutes to an hour, and you should bring your current ID and a document showing your new address.
  • Mailing in your address change takes two to four weeks from the time DPS receives your form.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

The fastest and cheapest way to change your address is through the Texas DPS online system. Go to the DPS website, find the "Change Address" option under driver's license services, and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and let you type in your new address.

This method works only if your current license has not expired and your legal name is the same as what appears on the license. If either of those conditions does not explore, you will need to use one of the other methods below. Once you submit your change online, you should see the update reflected in the system within a few days, though the physical card in your wallet will not change until you renew it.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

If your license is expired or your name has changed, you will need to go to a DPS driver's license office. Bring your current ID (even if it is expired), a document showing your new address, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. Documents that show your new address include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements — they should be dated within the last 60 days.

You can find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Call ahead or check the office's page to see what that location requires. The visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. There is no fee to change your address in person.

Changing your address by mail

You can also mail in your address change using Form DL-43, which you can read from the Texas DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Fill out the form with your new address, sign it, and include a document showing your new address (same documents as above — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail the form and your document to the address listed on the form.

The DPS processes mail requests in the order they arrive. From the time they receive your envelope, it usually takes two to four weeks for the change to show up in the system. Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you need to confirm that DPS received your form, you can call the DPS customer service line, though wait times can be long during busy periods.

What documents count as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts several types of documents to prove you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government document like a property tax bill.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at the new address — you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating that you live at the address and the date you moved in. Some DPS offices may also accept other documents, so if you are unsure whether what you have will work, call the office before you visit or mail your form.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

The timeline depends on which method you use. Online changes usually show up in the system within a few days. In-person changes are when ready — you walk out with your address updated in the DPS database. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope.

After you change your address, your physical driver's license card will not change until you renew it. The card itself will still show your old address, but the DPS system will have your new address on file. When you renew your license (every eight years for adults, or sooner if you choose), you will receive a new card with the updated address. If you need a new card sooner, you can request a replacement, though that costs money and is not necessary just to update your address.

Changing your address if your name has also changed

If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot update just your address online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in your documents. Bring your current ID, a document showing your new address, and proof of your name change. Proof of a name change can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for legal name change, or an updated Social Security card.

When you change both your name and address at the same time, the process is the same as changing your address alone — no extra fees or steps. The DPS office will update both pieces of information in one visit, or you can mail in Form DL-43 with both your new address and a copy of your name change document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address 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 just changing your address with Texas DPS. Most states require you to obtain a license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. You can keep your Texas license until it expires, but it is better to switch to your new state's license to avoid confusion with law enforcement or when you need to show ID.

Can I change my address online if my license expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to renew it rather than just change your address. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and costs a fee. You cannot use the online address change tool for an expired license, even if it expired recently.

What if I move again before my address change goes through?

If you submitted your change online or in person and then moved again, you can submit another address change right away. There is no waiting period between changes. If you mailed in a form and then moved, you can mail in a new form with your newest address, or visit a DPS office in person to update it faster.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address with DPS does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company has your address on file separately, so you should notify them of your move directly. Some insurance companies may adjust your rate based on your new location, but that is between you and your insurer, not related to your DPS address change.

What if the DPS system says my address change failed online?

If the online tool rejects your change, it usually means your license is expired, your name does not match the system, or there is a technical issue. Try again in a few hours, or visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43. If you keep getting an error, call DPS customer service to troubleshoot before you make a trip to an office.