You can change your Texas driver's license 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 the online system at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes if you have your current license number and a valid email. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into any DPS driver license office with proof of your new address.

You do not need to get a new license card printed unless yours expires soon or you want the new address to appear on the physical card. The address change itself is free and does not require a fee or a new photo.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dps.texas.gov is the fastest method and requires only your license number, email, and proof of your new address.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 with proof of your new address to the DPS address listed on the form, which takes two to three weeks.
  • In person, bring your current license and one document proving your new address to any DPS driver license office, and the change is when ready.
  • You do not have to pay a fee or get a new photo unless you choose to renew your license at the same time.
  • Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving, though the change itself can happen anytime.

Changing your address online through DPS

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" and enter your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to enter your new address.

You will need to upload or photograph one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email, and the change typically takes effect within one business day.

If you run into trouble with the online system or do not have an acceptable document ready, you can use the mail or in-person routes instead.

Mailing a form to DPS

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Include one document showing your new address—the same documents accepted online work here, and they must be dated within 60 days.

Mail the completed form and your proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form itself. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; the change is complete when DPS processes it. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can call the DPS number above after two weeks.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document proving your new address to any DPS driver license office. The office will scan your document, update your record, and hand you a receipt showing the change is complete. This method is when ready and requires no waiting period.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dps.texas.gov for your nearest office and its hours before you go. If you want the new address printed on your physical license card, you can request a renewal at the same visit, though that will cost a renewal fee and take a few weeks to arrive by mail.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, water, gas, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, and government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards.

The document must be an original or certified copy—a photo or screenshot usually will not work, though the online system may accept a clear photo if you upload it correctly. If you do not have a document in your name yet (for example, you just moved and utilities are still in the old owner's name), ask DPS what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices will take a signed lease with a utility bill in another household member's name.

When you need to change your address and what happens if you do not

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not just a suggestion. If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may ask why, though a recent move is usually not a violation on its own.

More importantly, an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and court notices. If you get a ticket or are involved in an accident, the officer's report will use the address on your license. If you are summoned to court, the notice may go to your old address and you might miss it. Keeping your address current protects you from these complications.

Renewing your license at the same time as changing your address

If your license expires within the next few months, you can renew it and change your address in the same transaction. Online renewal is available at dps.texas.gov if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements (such as being under 85 years old and having no medical restrictions). The renewal fee is currently $25 for a five-year license, though fees can change.

If you renew in person, you will also need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency—the same documents required for a standard renewal. The new card will show your updated address and will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you only want to change your address without renewing, you do not need to pay the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address online, or can I do it another way?

You can use any of the three methods: online, by mail, or in person. Online is fastest if you have the documents ready. In person is when ready if you can get to an office. By mail works if you prefer not to go online or to a DPS office, but it takes longer.

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

Ask DPS what alternatives they accept. Some offices will take a signed lease, a utility bill in a household member's name, or a letter from a landlord or property manager. Call 1-888-589-6789 to ask what your local office will take before you make a trip.

Will the new address show up on my physical license card right away?

No. The address change in the DPS system is when ready, but your physical card still shows the old address until you renew your license. If you want the new address on the card itself, you must renew at the same time, which costs a renewal fee and takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

You should get a license in your new state instead of keeping a Texas license with an out-of-state address. Most states require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. Keeping an out-of-state license can cause problems with insurance and vehicle registration.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. In person, some offices may ask you to renew at the same time if your license is more than two years expired. Call ahead to ask what your local office requires.