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

Texas lets you update your driver license address without getting a new card. The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is current and you have a valid email on file. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into any driver license office in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether your license is still valid.

Your address change takes effect when ready when processed, even though your physical card still shows the old address. Law enforcement and courts recognize the updated address in the DPS system. You do not need a new card printed unless your current one is expiring soon or damaged — most people keep the same card for years after moving.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is fastest and requires only your driver license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing unit with a copy of your proof of residency.
  • In-person changes at any Texas driver license office take a few minutes and require your current license and one document showing your new address.
  • Your address updates in the DPS system when ready, even though your physical card will still show the old address until you renew.
  • You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; Texas law does not specify an exact important date, but delaying can cause problems with vehicle registration and voting.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the email address on file with DPS. The system will send a confirmation email to that address — you must click the link in that email to complete the change. This entire process takes about five minutes.

The online method works only if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address registered with DPS. If your license expired more than two years ago or you do not have an email on file, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The DPS website will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access to change your address online.

Mailing your address change to DPS

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current driver license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of one document that shows your new address — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form and your proof of residency to the DPS address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. DPS will not send you a confirmation, so you can verify the change was recorded by logging into your DPS account online or calling the DPS customer service line. Keep a copy of what you mailed in case you need to follow up. If you do not hear back within a month, contact DPS to confirm receipt.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address to any Texas driver license office. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. The transaction takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

You do not need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means shorter lines. If your office is consistently busy, you can call ahead to ask about typical wait times.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Government mail addressed to you at your new address is acceptable. A letter from your employer or school showing your address is not sufficient on its own.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been set up — you can use a combination of documents. Some offices will accept a signed lease plus a piece of mail showing your name at the new address, even if that mail is from a previous address. Call your local driver license office to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Why updating your address matters for registration and voting

Your driver license address is linked to your vehicle registration in the Texas system. If you move and do not update your license address, your registration renewal notices will go to your old address, and you may miss the important date to renew. This can result in driving with an expired registration, which is a traffic violation.

Your driver license address is also used for voter registration. If you move to a new county or precinct, updating your license address automatically updates your voter registration in most cases. If you do not update, you may show up to vote and find that your name is not on the rolls for your new location. Updating your address takes a few minutes and prevents these problems down the road.

What happens if you do not update your address right away

There is no specific important date in Texas law for updating your driver license address after you move. However, driving with an outdated address can create problems. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address on your license, which may raise questions. More importantly, your vehicle registration and voter registration will be out of sync with your actual location.

If you receive a ticket or are involved in an accident, the citation or report will be sent to the address on your license. If that address is wrong, you may not receive important documents. Courts and law enforcement can look up your current address in the DPS system, but relying on that creates unnecessary confusion. Updating your address within a few weeks of moving is the safest approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new driver license card after I change my address?

No. Your address change updates in the DPS system when ready, and that is what law enforcement and courts see. Your physical card will still show your old address, but that does not matter. You only need a new card if your current one is damaged, lost, or expiring soon.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still change your address online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew your license first, which requires an in-person visit to a driver license office. At that appointment, you can update your address at the same time.

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

Online changes are recorded when ready once you confirm the email. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks. In-person changes are recorded right away. You can verify the change by checking your DPS account online or calling DPS customer service.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Call your local driver license office and explain your situation. Many offices will accept a combination of documents, such as a signed lease plus a piece of mail showing your name, even if the mail is from an old address. Some will accept a notarized statement of residency from a landlord or property manager.

Can I change my address if I live outside Texas?

If you moved out of Texas, you should get a driver license from your new state instead of updating your Texas address. If you still live in Texas but moved to a different city or county, you can change your address using any of the three methods described above.