You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if you have a current Texas license and a valid email address. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The online change takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
If you can't use the online system, you can mail a completed form to DPS or visit a driver's license office in person. By mail takes about two to three weeks. In person is when ready — you walk out with your updated license the same day, though you may wait in line.
You are not required to update your address when ready, but doing so keeps your license valid for voting, banking, and law enforcement stops. Some insurance companies also check your license address against their records.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at the Texas DPS website is free and takes minutes if your license is current and you have an email address.
- By mail, you send form DL-43 to the DPS address listed on the form; processing takes two to three weeks and costs nothing.
- In-person changes at any DPS office are when ready and free, but you may wait in line during busy hours.
- You do not need a new photo or to renew your license to change your address — only your address record updates.
- Your old license remains valid until its expiration date; you do not need to destroy it or turn it in.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You'll enter your 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 confirm your new address.
After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your address updates in the DPS system right away, though it may take a few days to show up in other state databases. You don't receive a new physical license card — your current one stays valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS record shows your new address.
The online system works only if your license is not expired and you have an active email address on file. If either of those is not true, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing a change-of-address form to DPS
read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the DPS address printed on the form — this address changes depending on which region you live in, so check the form itself rather than relying on an old address.
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 60 days. DPS needs this to verify you actually live at the new address.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. There is no fee. Your address updates in the system, but again, your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it until you renew your license.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the DPS website for your local office.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot. If you want a new physical license card with your new address printed on it, you can request one, but there is a fee (currently $16 for a standard replacement). If you just want the address updated in the system, there is no charge.
Processing is when ready. You leave with your updated information in the DPS database. If you paid for a replacement card, you'll receive it by mail within one to two weeks.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth, email address | Free | Minutes to a few days |
| By Mail | Form DL-43, current license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free (or $16 for replacement card) | when ready |
What happens to your physical license card
Your current license card does not automatically update. The address printed on it stays the same until you renew your license or request a replacement card. However, the DPS database shows your new address right away, and that's what law enforcement and government agencies see when they look up your record.
You do not have to destroy your old card or turn it in. It remains valid as a form of identification until the expiration date printed on it. Some people keep it as a backup or for records. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can pay the replacement fee ($16 for a standard card) at a DPS office or sometimes through the mail process.
When to change your address and what to watch for
Change your address as soon as you move. This keeps your voter registration accurate, ensures mail from the state reaches you, and prevents confusion if you're pulled over by police. Some insurance companies cross-check your license address against their records and may flag a mismatch.
If you move out of state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead of just changing your address in Texas. Texas will not update your license for an out-of-state address. Check your new state's DMV website for their process.
If you're changing your address because of a name change (marriage, divorce, legal change), you'll need to handle that separately through a name-change process, not just an address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license right away?
No, there's no legal important date. However, it's a good idea to update it soon after you move so your voter registration, state mail, and police records all match your actual address. Some insurance companies also check for mismatches.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
The online method won't work if your license is expired. Use the mail or in-person method instead. Both accept expired licenses as long as they're not more than a few years old. If your license is very old, you may need to renew it instead.
What if I don't have proof of my new address?
DPS requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you can't get a utility bill or lease, ask about alternatives — some offices accept government mail, bank statements, or insurance documents. Call your local DPS office to ask what they'll accept.
Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?
Not automatically. Your current card keeps the old address printed on it. If you want a new card with your new address, you can request a replacement at a DPS office for $16, or sometimes through the mail process. Otherwise, the address just updates in the DPS database.
What if I moved out of state?
You can't change your Texas license to an out-of-state address. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Check that state's DMV website for their process. You can keep your Texas license as a valid ID, but it won't be your primary license in your new state.