You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card, as long as you're not changing your name, date of birth, or other identifying information. The fastest route is the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) online system, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you can't use the online option, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person — both take longer but work just as well.
Your address on file matters because it's what appears on traffic tickets, vehicle registration documents, and any official record tied to your license. If you move and don't update it, you might miss court notices or registration renewals. Texas doesn't require you to update your address by a specific important date, but doing it soon after you move prevents confusion with mail and law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS online portal at texas.gov/dps is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
- You can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use the online system.
- Visiting a DPS office in person works if you need to change your address the same day, though wait times vary by location.
- Your address change takes effect when ready online or within 7 to 10 business days by mail, but the physical card in your wallet won't change unless you renew it.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to texas.gov/dps and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on the address change option — it's labeled as updating your driver's license or ID card information. You'll need your Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation email to verify the change.
The online system works only if you're changing your mailing address and nothing else. If you also need to update your name, gender marker, or any other detail on the license itself, you'll need to renew your license instead, which requires an in-person visit. The address change is free and takes effect when ready in the DPS database, though your physical card won't reflect the new address until you renew it.
Mailing in your address change with Form DL-43
read Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the DPS website, or request it by mail. You only need to fill out the address section — you don't have to complete the entire form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
Mail the form and your address proof to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive it. There is no fee for an address change by mail. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up, and consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
Updating your address in person at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS office on the texas.gov/dps website using the office locator tool. Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 90 days). You don't need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept them — check your local office's website first.
Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoons or weekends. The address change is free and takes effect when ready. Your physical card won't change, but your address will be updated in the system right away.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, email address | Free | when ready |
| By Mail | Form DL-43, current driver's license, address proof (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | 7–10 business days |
| In Person | Current driver's license, address proof (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | Same day |
Why your physical card won't show the new address right away
When you change your address, the DPS updates their database when ready (or within 10 days by mail), but the plastic card in your wallet stays the same. Your old address will remain printed on the card until you renew your license. This is normal and doesn't cause problems — law enforcement and other agencies see your current address when they scan your license, not the printed address on the card itself.
If you want your physical card to show your new address, you'll need to renew your license. In Texas, licenses are valid for 8 years (or 5 years if you're under 18), so you may not renew for several years. You can renew early if you want the new address on the card, but there's no requirement to do so just for an address change.
What to do if you moved out of state or lost your license
If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Texas address. Texas won't process an address change for an out-of-state address. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to start the process there.
If you've lost your license, you can't use the online address change system. Instead, visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43 along with a police report of the lost license (if you have one). The DPS can update your address and issue a replacement card at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?
Texas does not require you to update your address by a specific date, but it's a good idea to do it soon after you move. An outdated address can cause mail to be delayed and may create confusion if you're pulled over or receive a traffic ticket.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can update your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you visit a DPS office in person, they may ask you to renew your license at the same time, depending on how long it's been expired.
How long does it take to see the change in the system?
Online changes take effect when ready. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. In person, the change is recorded the same day you visit the office.
What counts as proof of my new address?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and new address.
Will my old address still work if I haven't updated it yet?
Your old address will still be on file until you change it, which can cause mail delays and confusion with official records. Update it as soon as you can, even if you're not required to do so by a important date.