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 address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is online through the DPS website if your license is valid and you have not had any recent address changes rejected. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether your license meets the online requirements.

All three methods are free. You will not pay a fee to change your address, and your license number stays the same — only the address field on the card is updated. The main difference between the methods is speed: online takes minutes, in-person takes the same day, and mail takes two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the DPS website takes a few minutes and costs nothing if your license is current and may be able to access.
  • If you mail your request, send Form DL-43 to the DPS address listed on the form, and the change takes two to four weeks.
  • You can walk into any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address to change it in person the same day.
  • You will need proof of your new Texas address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • If your license is expired or suspended, you must renew or resolve the suspension before you can change your address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Visit the Texas DPS website and look for the online services section for driver's licenses. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the DPS system, and you will receive a confirmation number.

Online changes work only if your license is valid (not expired or suspended) and you have not had an address change rejected in the past. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change is free and does not require you to pay a fee or get a new card printed right away. Your new card will arrive by mail within a few days to a week.

Mailing a form to update your address

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your current information and your new address. You do not need to fill out the entire form — focus on the sections that ask for your current license number and new address. Include a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days).

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself, which is the DPS office that handles mail-in requests. Do not send your original license. The DPS will process your request and mail you a new card with your updated address within two to four weeks. There is no fee for an address change by mail. If you need to prove your new address before the card arrives, you can print a confirmation from the online system or request a receipt from the DPS.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address to any DPS office. Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

The DPS staff will verify your information and process the change while you wait. You will receive a new card with your updated address on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office. There is no fee for this service. If the office is busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter lines.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts several documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and a date within the last 90 days. Accepted documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or tax document, a mortgage statement, or insurance paperwork. A cell phone bill or online statement usually does not work unless it is printed and shows your physical address.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a piece of mail from a government agency plus a letter from your employer. Ask the DPS office what combination they will accept before you visit, because rules can vary slightly between locations. Having the right proof ready before you go saves time and prevents a wasted trip.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has expired, you cannot change your address without renewing it at the same time. You will need to complete a full renewal process, which costs a fee and requires you to pass a vision test. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension (usually by paying a fine or completing a required course) before the DPS will process any address change.

Contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted or your license is renewed, you can then change your address using any of the three methods above. Do not wait to resolve a suspension, because it can affect your ability to drive legally and renew your registration.

How long the address change takes

Online changes are recorded when ready and show in the DPS system right away, though your new card may take a few days to a week to arrive by mail. Mail-in requests typically take two to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. In-person changes at a DPS office are processed the same day, and you may receive your new card on the spot or within a few business days depending on the office's equipment and workload.

If you need to prove your new address before your new card arrives, you can print a confirmation from the online system or ask the DPS office for a receipt showing the address change was processed. This receipt can serve as proof of your updated address for things like vehicle registration or insurance. Keep the confirmation or receipt until your new card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address on my license?

No. Changing your address costs nothing. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time or if you need a duplicate card for a lost or damaged license.

Can I change my address if I just moved out of state?

No. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state. Texas will not update an address outside of Texas. You can keep your Texas license as an ID, but you cannot legally drive with it in another state.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can bring two documents together that show your name and address, such as a government letter plus a bank statement, or an insurance document plus mail from an employer. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask what combination they will accept, because some offices are stricter than others.

Will my new card have a different number?

No. Your license number stays the same when you change your address. Only the address field on the card is updated. You will receive a new physical card in the mail with your updated address printed on it.

How long does the new card take to arrive if I change my address online?

The address change is recorded in the system when ready, but the physical card with your new address printed on it takes a few days to a week to arrive by mail, depending on where you live in Texas.