How to change your address with the Texas DMV

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in three ways: online through the Texas DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The address change takes effect when ready online, though your physical card will not reflect the new address until you renew it.

Texas does not require you to notify the DMV within a specific timeframe after moving, but updating your address promptly protects you. An outdated address on your license can cause problems with traffic stops, vehicle registration renewals, and mail from the state. If you move and do not update your address, registration renewal notices will go to your old address, and you may miss important date without realizing it.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at texas.gov/motorvehicles is free and when ready, requiring only your license number, date of birth, and last four Social Security digits.
  • By mail, you send a completed DL-43 form with a copy of your license and proof of your new address to the DMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person changes at any DMV office take minutes and cost nothing, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your physical license card will not show the new address until you renew it, but the DMV's records update when ready with any method.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.

Changing your address online

Go to texas.gov/motorvehicles and look for the "Change Address" option under the "Driver License and ID" section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and then prompt you to enter your new address.

Once you submit, the change is complete. You will see a confirmation on screen. The DMV's records update when ready, so your new address is active in their system right away. You do not need to print anything or visit an office. This method works 24 hours a day and costs nothing.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the DL-43 form from the Texas DMV website. Fill out the form with your current information and your new address. You will need to include a photocopy of your current driver's license or ID card and a document that proves your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card). The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and new address. Mail the completed form, copy of your license, and proof of address to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; the change is complete when the DMV processes it.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any Texas DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you would mail: a copy of your license (the office will make one) and a document showing your new address dated within the last 30 days. There is no fee.

Tell the clerk you need to change your address. The process takes a few minutes. Your address updates in the DMV system when ready. You will receive a receipt confirming the change. If you need to find the nearest office, use the DMV office locator on texas.gov/motorvehicles.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance declaration also work. Government mail such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court document is acceptable.

Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, contact the DMV office directly to ask about alternatives. Some offices may accept a notarized statement or a letter from your landlord or property manager, though policies vary by location.

When your physical card will show the new address

Changing your address does not automatically update the physical card in your wallet. Your address change takes effect in the DMV system when ready, but your card will continue to show your old address until you renew your driver's license or ID card. When you renew — whether online, by mail, or in person — your new card will have your current address printed on it.

Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years and ID cards for six years. You can renew early if you want the new address on your card sooner, though you will pay the full renewal fee. For most people, waiting until the regular renewal date is the practical choice. Until then, your DMV record has the correct address, which is what matters for registration renewals, traffic stops, and official correspondence.

Changing your vehicle registration address

Updating your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must notify the DMV separately about your vehicle registration. You can do this online at texas.gov/motorvehicles, by mail using form VTR-346, or in person at a DMV office.

For online registration address changes, you will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. By mail, send the completed VTR-346 form with a copy of your vehicle registration and proof of your new address. In person, bring your current registration card and proof of address. Like your driver's license address change, there is no fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move to a different city in Texas?

You are not required to change your address by a specific date, but you should do it as soon as possible. If you do not update your address, registration renewal notices will be mailed to your old address and you may miss important date. An outdated address can also cause confusion during traffic stops.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease as proof of address?

Contact your local DMV office before you visit or mail your request. Some offices accept notarized statements, letters from landlords, or other documents depending on your situation. Having a conversation with the office first can save you a trip or a rejected process by mail.

Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, the online process works the same way for commercial driver's licenses. Go to texas.gov/motorvehicles and follow the address change steps. If you have questions specific to a CDL, contact the DMV directly or visit an office.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in the DMV system?

Online changes are when ready. By mail, allow two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. Once your address is updated in the DMV system, it is active for registration renewals and official correspondence, even if your physical card still shows the old address.

What if I move out of Texas?

If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. Contact the DMV in your new state for their requirements. You do not need to formally close your Texas license, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you move.