The fastest way to change your address with the Texas DMV
You can change your address online through the Texas DMV website without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to the DMV's online services portal, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and update your address in your account. The change takes effect when ready for your records, though your physical license will still show the old address until it expires or you renew it.
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form to the DMV, visit a driver's license office in person, or use a licensed Texas DPS office. Each method takes different amounts of time and requires different documents, so the right choice depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you want to update your physical license at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DMV website is free and when ready, but your physical license will still show your old address until renewal.
- If you need your physical license updated when ready, you must visit a driver's license office or licensed DPS office in person.
- Mailing in a form takes two to three weeks and requires a completed DL-43 form plus proof of your new address.
- Your address change is separate from renewing your license — you can update one without doing the other.
- Texas requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within a reasonable time after moving, though there is no specific important date stated in law.
Online address change through the Texas DMV portal
The Texas DMV's online system is the simplest route if you do not need your physical license updated right away. Visit the DMV website, select "Online Services," and choose the option to update your address. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Once logged in, enter your new address and confirm the change. The update appears in the DMV's system when ready, which matters if you are concerned about tickets, registration notices, or official mail reaching you at the correct location. However, the address printed on your physical license will not change until you renew your license or pay to replace it with a new card showing the updated address.
In-person address change at a driver's license office
Visit a Texas driver's license office if you want your physical license updated the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.
The office will update your address in the system and issue a new license card on the spot at no charge. This is the only method that gives you a physical license matching your current address when ready. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter lines.
Mailing your address change to the DMV
You can mail a completed DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) to the DMV along with proof of your new address. read the form from the Texas DMV website or request it by mail. Include a copy of a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other government mail showing your new address dated within the last 30 days.
Mail the form and documents to the address listed on the DMV website for your region. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. You will receive a new license card by mail once the change is processed. This method is free but slower than the online option and does not update your address in the system as quickly.
Using a licensed DPS office or third-party service
Some licensed private driver's license services in Texas can process address changes on your behalf. These offices are authorized by the state and can update your address and issue a new license card the same day. They typically charge a service fee on top of any DMV fees, though address changes themselves do not carry a DMV fee.
Search the Texas DMV website for "licensed DPS offices" or "driver's license service offices" in your area. Call ahead to confirm they handle address changes and ask about their fee. This option is useful if you cannot reach a DMV office during business hours or prefer a shorter wait.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Texas DMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address, and they must be dated within the last 30 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and government mail all work. Some offices also accept bank statements, insurance documents, or employer letters on letterhead that show your name and new address.
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the DMV what alternatives they will accept — some offices have flexibility for recent moves. Bring the original document or a certified copy; photocopies alone are usually not accepted.
Timeline and what to expect after you change your address
If you update your address online, the change is recorded when ready in the DMV system. If you visit an office in person, the change takes effect the same day. If you mail in a form, expect two to three weeks for processing and another week or two for the new license to arrive by mail.
Once your address is updated, the DMV will send future notices, renewal reminders, and official correspondence to your new address. If you are waiting for a renewal notice or other mail from the DMV, it may take a few days for the system to catch up after you make the change. Vehicle registration renewal notices will also go to your new address once the DMV has processed the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my address with the DMV if I moved?
Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within a reasonable time after moving, though no specific important date is stated. The practical reason to update quickly is to may support you receive renewal notices, registration mail, and official correspondence at your current location. Delaying can result in missing important important date.
Can I change my address without renewing my license?
Yes. You can update your address in the DMV system without renewing your license. If you use the online method or mail in a form, your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it. If you want the address on your physical card updated when ready, you must visit an office in person.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Call your local DMV office and ask what documents they will accept. Some offices have flexibility for recent moves and may accept a bank statement, insurance document, employer letter, or a signed affidavit from a landlord or property manager. Having your new address on file is more important than the specific document you use to prove it.
How long does it take to receive a new license card by mail?
After the DMV processes your mailed form, the new license card typically arrives within one to two weeks. Total time from mailing to receiving is usually two to four weeks. If you need the address updated faster, visiting an office in person is the only way to get a new card the same day.
Will my vehicle registration automatically update when I change my address?
No. Your driver's license address and vehicle registration address are separate. You must update your vehicle registration address separately with the Texas DMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods available for your license.